Chapter 27, Problem 2CCS

23-Year-Old Female with Menstrual Irregularity

Jasmine Herrera, 23, has been referred to the endocrinology clinic. She is very overweight, with obvious acne and facial hair. She complains of irregular menstrual cycles. “My husband and I want to use the rhythm method," she says, “but I don’t have any rhythm!”

2. NCLEX-STYLE Jasmine’s doctor has ordered measurement of her androgen levels. Which of the following statements is most accurate about this test?

a. It should come back negative, because women do not produce any androgens.

b. It depends on the phase of her cycle; androgens are only synthesized during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

c. It depends on her muscle mass; androgens are anabolic steroids and cause muscle growth, so more muscle means more androgens.

d. Levels should be low but not absent, because the ovaries produce androgens but convert most of them into estrogens.