5 alpha-reductase activity in polycystic ovary syndrome
Stewart, P.M.; Shackleton, C.H.; Beastall, G.H.; Edwards, C.R.
Lancet 335(8687): 431-433
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 1968168 Document Number: 363626
11 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (hirsutism and oligomenorrhoea), but with no deficiency of 21-hydroxylase or 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, had abnormal cortisol metabolism. The high ratio of 5 alpha to 5 beta cortisol metabolites in the urine is consistent with enhanced activity of 5 alpha-reductase. Urinary total cortisol metabolites were higher in patients than controls. Increased 5 alpha-reductase activity in liver and skin enhances hepatic cortisol metabolism at the expense of androgen excess and may be the underlying abnormality in polycystic ovary syndrome.