Steroid, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone profiles in identical twins with polycystic ovaries

Identical twins (age 16) with polycystic ovarian disease documented by laparoscopy are compared to a "normal" 18-year-old sibling. Fractionation and individual estimation of urinary 17-ketosteroids, 17-ketogenic steroids, pregnanetriol, and total estrogen were performed on both amenorrheic twins and their normal menstruating sibling. Steroid values were obtained during adrenal suppression and after adrenal provocation with adrenocorticotropic hormone nd metyrapone. Serum levels for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were obtained periodically over a period of 16 months on the twins with polycystic ovarian disease. All 3 siblings gave evidence of androgen overproduction on the part of the ovaries and adrenals. Serum LH values in the twins were elevated but exhibited considerable fluctuation. Serum FSH values were lower but also manifested considerable variation. The similar steroid profile in the 3 siblings and the LH/FSH pattern in the identical twins are discussed.