Testosterone Production in Normal and Virilized Women and in Women with the Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Idiopathic Hirsutism

Testosterone production rates have been measured in normal and virilized women and in patients with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism. In patients with virilization, production rates were increased. However, production rates were within the normal range and plasma testosterone levels varied from normal to high in patients with Stein-Leventhal syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism. Suppression studies indicated that the adrenal cortex was a significant source of the plasma testosterone in all groups. HCG did not increase either measure of androgen metabolism in the normal woman but was effective in some of the subjects with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.