DO ANDROGENS MODULATE LUTEINIZING-HORMONE SECRETION IN WOMEN

In hyperandrogenic states an abnormal pattern of LH secretion in women is observed which is presumed to result from a direct action of andro gen or its conversion to estrogen. Two strategies are available to stu dy the effect of testosterone on LH secretion. One involves the use of non-steroidal compounds that block the negative feedback, actions of endogenous androgens by binding to androgen receptors; the other consi sts only in the administration of androgens. Following these two strat egies, we first studied the pulsatile gonadotrophin secretion in hyper androgenic women, following flutamide administration, a specific andro gen receptor blocker. Flutamide treatment was followed by a decrease i n LH pulse amplitude and mean LH concentrations, demonstrating that an drogen receptor blockade reduces LH secretion in hyperandrogenic women . To establish the level at which the androgen effect is exerted we fu rther studied the acute effect of testosterone (hyperandrogenic levels ) and the blockade of its receptor on LH secretion in patients with se vere hypothalamic deficiency treated with pulsatile GnRH (GnRHP). LH p ulse profiles were assessed under GnRNp treatment alone, during testos terone and during testosterone and flutamide administration. Testoster one increased LH secretion and LH pulse amplitude. Flutamide significa ntly reverted the LH increase induced by testosterone. These results s trongly suggest that testosterone in the hyperandrogenic female range, may facilitate LH secretion by the pituitary, effect that is reversed by the block ade of the androgen receptor.