Late onset adrenal hyperplasia due to 3 beta-hydroxy-delta 5-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency in north Indian hirsute women.

The presence of late onset 3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was studied in 58 north Indian hirsute women. The age range of these patients was 15 to 42 yr. Fifty two per cent of these patients had body mass index > 25. Basal serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and 17 hydroxy progesterone (17 OHP) were estimated. All the patients underwent adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation test after an overnight dexamethasone suppression for the estimation of DHEAS, 17 OHP, and 17 hydroxy pregnenolone (delta 5-17p). Five (8.6%) hirsute women showed an exaggerated 17 OHP response to ACTH indicating 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Eight (13.8%) hirsute women had elevated basal DHEAS and ACTH-stimulated DHEAS as well as delta 5-17P responses indicative of 3 beta-HSD deficiency. In one patient hirsutism was the presenting manifestation of tumoural hyperandrogenism. Our findings indicate the presence of both 21-hydroxylase and 3 beta-HSD deficiency in north Indian hirsute women, with, 3 beta-HSD deficiency being the major cause of hirsutism in this population.