Clinical aspects of polycystic syndrome of the ovary: the behavior of salivary testosterone and estrone
Piccione, E.; Baschieri, L.; Giacomello, F.; Sesti, F.
La Clinica Terapeutica 110(2): 119-122
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9074 PMID: 6237852 Document Number: 221236
The following are elements for the differential diagnosis of polycystic ovary (PCO): increased plasma concentration of androgens and secretion pattern of estrogens which in PCO are represented mainly by estrone (E1) rather than 17.beta.-estradiol (E2). The pattern of free testosterone (T) and estrone in saliva compared to the pattern of these steroids in plasma was investigated. A significant correlation was found between salivary and plasma steroid concentrations (both for T and E1) in patients with PCO. From the diagnostic point of view a relevant element is the consistent increase of salivary free T in PCO patients in contrast to the T pattern in plasma.