TESTOSTERONE ADMINISTRATION INCREASES ADRENAL-RESPONSE TO ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN

OBJECTIVE Various studies have demonstrated coexistence of ovarian and adrenal hyperandrogenism in women. This study was designed to determine whether testosterone can increase the response of the adrenal gland to stimulation by adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). DESIGN Non-randomized intervention in a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS Twenty androgen-treated female-to-male transsexual patients (10 ovariectomized and 10 non-ovariectomized) and 10 normal female controls. MEASUREMENTS ACTH stimulation tests were performed in all subjects. Baseline values and the increase above baseline values after ACTH stimulation were assessed for cortisol and the adrenal androgens androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate. RESULTS Increases in levels of cortisol, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone after administration of ACTH were greater in testosterone-treated transsexual patients than controls. CONCLUSION We conclude that testosterone increases the response of the adrenal gland to stimulation by ACTH.