Androgen activity in females

• 85% of testosterone is bound to sex hormone binding globulin and is metabolically inactive. 

10-15% bound to albumin and 1-2% free 

- free and albumin-bound testosterone are biologically active
• Testosterone is converted to the biologically active dihydrotestosterone by 5-alpha reductase 

- increased activity of this enzyme may result in the manifestations of androgen excess
• 2/3rd daily female testosterone production is of ovarian origin 

(total = 0.35mg/day - of which -
 0.1mg = direct ovarian production; 
 0.2mg = peripheral conversion of androstendione; 
 0.05mg = peripheral conversion of DHEA).