Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: In women, androgens are produced by adrenal glands and ovaries. In peripheral tissues, they result from a conversion of present androgens in the blood circulation. Androgens measurement are of interest in the exploration of hirsutism.

Materiel and methods: Retrospective study was conducted over 12 months from January, 2016 to December 2017 in Biochemistry Laboratory of Habib Bourguiba Hospital. Testosterone and prolactin assay were performed using electrochemuluminescence technique (cobas 6000, Roche). S DHEA, delta 4 androstenedione (Δ4 A) and 17 OH progesterone (17 OHP) were performed using ELISA technique. Statistical analysis were performed using Epi Info 7.

Results: Fifty-four women with suspicion of hirsutism were included in the study. The average age of patients was 33±14 ans. Prescriptions came mainly from Endocrinology (57.3%), dermatology(9.48%) , gynecology(8.2%), pediatrics(8.2%) departments. Mean value of Testosterone and prolactin were 0.49±0.56 ng/ml and 21.85±10.61 ng/ml respectively. 17 OHP level was 2.79±4.42 ng/ml while s DHEA and Δ4 A were 1.81±1 μg /ml (RR: 0.4- 2.17 ng/ml) and 3.44±3.44 ng/ml (RR: 0.75 – 3.89 ng/ml) respectively. Testosterone values were upper than 0.6 ng/ml in only 2 cases while 17 OH progesterone values were upper than reference range in 80%.

Conclusion: 17 OH P seems to be more sensitive in the diagnosis of hirsutism than testosterone but the biological interpretation of hormonal assays cannot be done without detailed patients’ clinical information