Response of the adrenal to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in hyperandrogenic women treated chronically with low doses of prednisone.

A group of 43 women of reproductive age with clinical signs of hyperandrogenism was treated with a low dose (7.5 mg daily) of prednisone. An acute dexamethasone (DEX) suppression-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test was performed before and after a minimum of 2 months of prednisone administration. The therapy produced a significant decrease of plasma testosterone (T) levels in a majority of patients. During the treatment period DEX failed to induce further suppression, while ACTH caused a significant rise in plasma T levels. The cortisol (F) levels were suppressed during treatment, but their response to ACTH stimulation was similar to that observed prior to initiation of therapy.