Hyperandrogenemia is Common in Asymptomatic Women and is Associated with Increased Metabolic Risk.

OBJECTIVE: Women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have higher endogenous testosterone (T) levels than unaffected women. This study investigated whether hyperandrogenemia (HA) was a marker for increased cardiometabolic risk in reproductively normal premenopausal women. METHODS: Reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters were assessed in 198 women with regular menses and no clinical hyperandrogenism (eumenorrheic [EM]). Hyperandrogenic EM women were compared with 110 women with NIH criteria polycystic ovary syndrome. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of EM women had HA. Levels of non-sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-bound T were elevated in 68% of women, total T levels were elevated in 43% of women, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were elevated in 30% of women. The prevalence of HA increased with BMI category (P = 0.01): 12% for BMI < 25 kg/m2 , 22% for BMI of 25 to 30 kg/m2 , and 31% for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 . MetS (adjusted odds ratio 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-6.9) and dysglycemia risks (adjusted odds ratio 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-5.8) were increased in hyperandrogenic EM women compared with normoandrogenic EM women, with adjustment for BMI. SHBG levels were independently associated with these metabolic end points (P < 0.001), whereas androgen levels were not. A cluster analysis confirmed that there was a discrete subset of EM women with HA and metabolic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: HA is common in EM women and is associated with increased risks for MetS and dysglycemia. However, low SHBG levels rather than elevated androgen levels may be the primary predictor of this relationship with metabolic dysfunction.

Tumor de células de la granulosa asociado a hiperandrogenismo femenino rápidamente progresivo / Granulosa cell tumour associated with rapidly progressive female hyperandrogenism

Reportamos el caso de una mujer de 21 años con hiperandrogenismo rápidamente progresivo de origen tumoral ovárico. La biopsia informó tumor de células de la granulosa y la resección fue curativa. Se analizan los posibles mecanismos por los que un tumor de origen en células de la granulosa pueda sintetizar andrógenos.

We report a 21 year old woman with rapidly progressive hyperandrogenism of ovaric tumoral origin. The biopsy of the tumor reported a granulosa cell tumor and the surgery was curative. We analyze the possible mechanisms implied in the androgen production in the granulosa cells of the tumor.

[Correlation between CA-125 marker with the presence and severity of pelvic endometriosis]. / Correlación entre valores del marcador Ca-125 con la presencia y severidad de endometriosis pelviana.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis affects at least 15% of infertile women. The diagnosis is made by direct visualization of implants either at laparoscopy or laparotomy. Elevation of plasma CA-125 levels has been associated with the presence of endometriosis. AIM: To search for a correlation between CA-125 and the presence of endometriosis and its severity, among infertile patients requesting a diagnostic laparoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 117 women were prospectively enrolled in the study between May 2000 and March 2002. A serum sample for CA-125 was taken immediately before surgery and the value obtained was correlated with the presence or absence of endometriosis and the severity of the disease. RESULTS: Sixty nine patients had endometriosis (59%). Patients with severe endometriosis, or grade IV, showed statistically significant higher levels of CA-125 compared to women without endometriosis or with grades I, II or III of the disease. DISCUSSION: The overall sensibility of CA-125 in detecting patients with endometriosis was low, however, it worked better for patients with advanced disease. Considering the rather low cost and simplicity of the test, we believe that it should be included in the evaluation of infertile couples.