Endocrinological markers for assessing hyperandrogenemia in women classified as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to the revised 2003 diagnostic criteria.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether free testosterone estimated by calculation from total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin or free androgen indexes were more appropriate markers for assessing hyperandrogenemia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 107 Caucasian women were presented at our Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine because of their infertility and hirsutism. Hirsutism was quantitatively assessed using a modified Ferriman-Gallwey score; oligo-ovulation or/and anovulation were assessed; polycystic ovaries were assessed; afterwards women were classified as having PCOS according to the revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria for PCOS or classified as controls; endocrinological parameters were assessed using commercial immunoassays or were calculated. 50 women were classified as having PCOS; 57 women were classified as controls because they did not fulfill the criteria of PCOS. Calculated free and bioavailable testosterone, FAI, total testosterone, free testosterone assessed by immunoassay and DHEAS were significantly increased in women classified as having PCOS. All endocrinological markers for assessing hyperandrogenemia were elevated in the PCOS group regardless if they were assessed using commercial immunoassays or were calculated. Calculated values showed no diagnostic advantage in this study.

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