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Research led by University of Birmingham scientists in collaboration with Northwestern University in Chicago, US, has provided fresh insight into the role of male hormone in supporting and disrupting the production of eggs by ovarian follicles. The study, newly published online in the journal Endocrinology, measured for the first time the production of hormones by the isolated ovarian follicle during its development, using highly sensitive and specific mass spectrometry. The researchers, from the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham, showed that ovarian follicles are able to produce active male hormones, so-called androgens, from very early stages of development. They found that androgens are needed for normal function of the follicle, including the successful release of an egg that can be fertilised. However, as lead author Professor Wiebke Arlt explains: "We could also show that too much androgen disrupts the development of the follicle, mirroring what we observe in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, who have increased blood androgen concentrations and frequently have difficulties conceiving." This was an exciting and unexpected discovery, she said, as they could show that the follicle is able to regulate the male hormone balance by decreasing androgen production in response to androgen administration while increasing androgen production when the follicle is treated with androgen receptor blockers. Professor Arlt concludes: "In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, this self-regulation of the male hormone balance by the follicle is overcome by the very high androgen concentrations in circulation.