Prevalence of hyperandrogenic states in late adolescent and young women: epidemiological survey on italian high-school students.

Context: Most of the estimates of the prevalence of hyperandrogenic states refer to the general adult population. Objective: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of hyperandrogenic states in late adolescence and youth and to evaluate potential independent predictors. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in high schools. Patients: Patients included female students, aged 16–19 years. Main Outcome Measures: The study protocol was designed with 3 possible levels of participation: the first level consisted of a self-compiled questionnaire; the second level added a medical examination; and the third level added a blood sample for laboratory testing. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure total testosterone, and a reference interval was established in-house. Results: We offered participation to 2052 students, and 1469 of those compiled the questionnaire. Of these, 1038 were examined, and 519 also provided blood samples. Two hu...