Effects of elevated testosterone levels on reproductive neuroendocrine function and behavior in female rhesus macaques (macaca mulatta)

Hyperandrogenemia (HA) is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disorder characterized by elevated androgens, neuroendocrine changes, and metabolic dysfunction. We tested whether chronic low-dose testosterone (T) exposure in female monkeys induces PCOS-like traits. T treatment increased LH pulse frequency and GnRH responsiveness but did not initially alter ovarian or metabolic function. After adding a Western-style diet, all animals developed polycystic ovarian morphology, and T-treated monkeys showed reduced insulin sensitivity. Behaviorally, T-treated monkeys exhibited less inhibition, correlating with greater weight gain. These findings suggest that HA combined with diet promotes neuroendocrine, ovarian, metabolic, and behavioral features of PCOS.