Glucuronides, testosterone measurement

The differentiation of normal from abnormal concentrations of plasma testosterone in women requires the use of either electron-capture GLC, isotopic-displacement methods, double-isotope methods, or fluorometric methods. Evidence to date suggests that the isotopic-displacement method is preferable (K3, M3). Existing fluorometric methods are adequate in analytical characteristics, but much more laborious (F2). This differentiation is crucial in cases of simple, provisionally idiopathic, hirsutism (cf. however. Cl). In many cases, however, an elevated excretion of urinary testosterone glucuronide would be equally satisfactory despite the uncertainty of its metabolic precursors (B2, II). This measurement is also desirable in cases of provisionally idiopathic amenorrhea. 

G. L., and Griboff, S. I. Measurement of Urinary Testosterone and Epitestosterone Glucuronide as a Test of Gonadal Reserve Fert. Steril. 18(5) 659-665 (1967) ... 

The saturated Cai compounds are then either conjugated with glucuronic acid and appear in urine as the glucuronides, or they are further broken down. The side chain is split off particularly easily from 17-hydroxy compounds. The products are 17-keto steroids, androsterone, etiocholanolone, and. others, which are also excreted as glucuronides (more rarely as sulfates). The amount of 17-keto steroids in urine can be estimated easily with Zimmermann s color reaction it is useful for the diagnosis of adrenal cortical activity. One should be aware, however, that only a part of the corticosteroid excretion is measured, together vith testosterone inactivation products. Normally, about 10-20 mg per day of 17-keto steroids are excreted. 

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