Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Relation with 5alpha-Reductase

Introduction: The Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is generally characterized by the presence of polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, by clinical and / or biochemical androgen excess.5α-reductase activity might be important during the development of PCOS by increasing the conversion of testosterone (TT) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Methods: In 70 cases diagnosed as PCOS, based on Rotterdam criteria we measured the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT) and DHT. TT/DHT ratio was calculated in order to reflect 5alpha-reductase activity. RESULTS: In 70 cases of PCOS patients we measured the level of TT (0.87±0.79) (ng/ml), DHT (29.9±11.8) (ng/dl), FSH (5.7±2.06) (UI/L), LH ( 12.7±10.2) (UI/L). We calculate LH/FSH ratio ( 2.3±1.2) and TT/DHT ratio (3.1±1.7). PCOS patients showed significantly higher levels of TT than control group. The TT/DHT ratio was significantly higher in PCOS patients (P less than.005). No difference was found for total DHT levels. CONCLUSION: Testosterone, LH, LH/FSH ratio, TT/DHT ratio raised in women with PCOS. Our data show that PCOS is a condition accompanied by high level of TT and a higher TT/DHT ratio in serum of patiens, Increased 5alpha-reductase activity could contribute to the development of PCOS by amplifying androgen action.