What hormone levels provide a typical profile in patients presenting with polycystic ovarian syndrome?

In patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the typical hormonal profile is characterized by increased levels of androgens, such as testosterone, alongside elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. This hormonal imbalance is a core feature of PCOS, which often manifests with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, and acne.

The increase in androgens is primarily due to excessive ovarian production, often in conjunction with insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS. Elevated LH levels occur because of an altered negative feedback mechanism affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. In this disorder, the ratio of LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) tends to be disrupted, with LH being higher relative to FSH.

In contrast, the other options reflect hormone profiles that do not align with the typical findings in PCOS. For instance, elevated TSH is more related to thyroid dysfunction rather than PCOS, while a decreased FSH level does not typically signify the elevated androgen environment seen in PCOS. Additionally, elevated progesterone and decreased estrogen would not typically apply to the PCOS profile, as this condition is associated with hormonal imbalances rather than a straightforward reduction in estrogen.