SAT383 Case Study: Impact of Weight Reduction and Oral Contraceptive Pills on Hyperandrogenism
Authors: Syeda Asma , Anderson Thea L , Millar Danielle , Madhavan Parvathy 
Published: October 2023

Disclosure: A. Syeda: None. T.L. Anderson: None. D. Millar: None. P. Madhavan: None.

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a commonly encountered cause of hyperandrogenism which could interfere with fertility. Typical therapeutic options for hyperandrogenism including hormonal contraceptives and anti-androgen medication are contraindicated when planning pregnancy. This case highlights the profound impact of weightloss and oral contraception use to treat severe hyperandrogenism in select cases. Case: A 31-year-old female presented for initial evaluation of hyperandrogenism noted during evaluation for infertility. Laboratory investigations revealed a free testosterone level of 172 ng/dL (n:9-55 ng/dl), SHBG of 17 nmol/L (25-122 nmol/L), DHEAS of 306 ug/dL (n:99-340 ug/dL), TSH of 1.79 uIU/mL (n:0.35-4.96 uIU/mL), ACTH of 12.1 (n:7.2-63.3 pg/mL), cortisol of 9.6 ug/dL (7-23 ug/dL), prolactin of 7.85 ng/mL (3.34-26.72 ng/mL). The patient reported hirsutism, increasing body hair, darkening of skin and significant weight gain over the past 4 years. Menstrual cycles have been reported as being irregular since menarche. Vital signs were stable with a blood pressure of 112/84 mm Hg. Physical examination was remarkable for generalized obesity, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans, no abnormal abdominal striae were appreciated. Considering significant elevation in testosterone levels despite low SHBG, an MRI of abdomen and pelvis was obtained which demonstrated ovarian cysts with no concern for ovarian malignancy. CT of the abdomen without contrast was negative for adrenal mass. The overall clinical picture was suggestive of a diagnosis of PCOS. As the patient was planning pregnancy, oral contraceptive agents and spironolactone were deferred initially. The patient was encouraged to lose weight with lifestyle modifications and was started on up titrating dose of Metformin as tolerated. The patient complied with the recommendations and over the course of two years her weight decreased from 171 lbs. to 158 lbs. In the interim, she was placed on oral contraceptive pills for 2 months to undergo hysteroscopy. Subsequently, the testosterone levels normalized to 17 ng/dL. Conclusion: Although previous research has demonstrated the significance of weight loss, for reducing symptoms in patients with PCOS, this role has not been well elucidated in cases of severe hyperandrogenism without a neoplastic cause. The mechanism of interaction between weight loss, oral contraceptive pills and decreased androgens is based on the reduction in insulin resistance which causes a decrease in theca cell androgen synthesis and an increased SHBG. Additionally, a decrease in adiposity reduces the conversion of Δ4-androstenedione to testosterone. Notably, in this case there is potentially a causal relationship between the patient's weight loss of 13 pounds (7.6% of her body weight), OCP use and her return to normal testosterone levels.

Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023