Plasma 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide concentrations in normally menstruating Chinese women.

Hirsutism is rare in oriental women. In order to define the androgen metabolism in these women, plasma levels of androstanediol glucuronide (AG) along with testosterone (T), androstenedione (delta 4A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were determined in samples collected from 22 normally menstruating Chinese women. Their ages were 37.7 +/- 7.2 years (mean +/- S. D.) with a range of 27 to 46 years. All were born of Chinese parents. None were on any hormonal medication for at least one year. Compared to our local controls, no significant differences were observed in plasma androgens and SHBG concentrations. Comparable levels of AG, delta 4A and T in these two groups suggest that in Chinese women, under basal conditions, the androgen metabolism is comparable to their north american counterparts.