Figure 3.

Maternal sites of androgen synthesis. The maternal adrenal gland secretes DHEA, DHEAS, A4 and T to the maternal circulation, from which androgens get distributed to peripheral tissues. Placenta is an additional site for de novo synthesis of A4 and T synthesis. Ovaries can also produce and secrete T, A4 and DHEA into maternal circulation. Myometrium can also synthesize A4, T and DHT. Finally, DHEA and T can be generated from precursors by androgen metabolizing enzymes. DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; T, testosterone; DHT, dihydrotestosterone; DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate; A4, androstenedione.