title: Response of the adrenal to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in hyperandrogenic women treated chronically with low doses of prednisone.
abstract: A group of 43 women of reproductive age with clinical signs of hyperandrogenism was treated with a low dose (7.5 mg daily) of prednisone. An acute dexamethasone (DEX) suppression-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test was performed before and after a minimum of 2 months of prednisone administration. The therapy produced a significant decrease of plasma testosterone (T) levels in a majority of patients. During the treatment period DEX failed to induce further suppression, while ACTH caused a significant rise in plasma T levels. The cortisol (F) levels were suppressed during treatment, but their response to ACTH stimulation was similar to that observed prior to initiation of therapy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011241:Prednisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone