Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

    January 2009 in “ Medicine ”
    Sandra Karrer-Voegeli, François Rey, Marianne J. Reymond, Jean‐Yves Meuwly, Rolf C. Gaillard, Fulgencio Gómez
    Image of study
    TLDR Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.
    The document from 2009 presents a study on the androgen dependence of hirsutism, acne, and alopecia in women, analyzing hormonal data from 279 patients. It found that hirsutism is more strongly associated with hyperandrogenism than alopecia and acne, with patients with hirsutism having higher levels of androstenedione, DHEAS, and salivary testosterone, and lower levels of SHBG. The study also showed that salivary testosterone is a better marker for hirsutism than total testosterone. Treatment with ethinylestradiol and high-dose cyproterone acetate significantly reduced hirsutism scores by 53.5% at 1 year and was also effective for acne and alopecia. Spironolactone alone was effective for treating isolated alopecia in patients with normal androgens. The study concluded that no single androgenic parameter could identify all cases of hyperandrogenism, but a combination of parameters was most effective. Ethnic origin did not affect the clinical-biological correlation, and the prevalence of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) was found to be 4.7% among the study population. The study suggests that while antiandrogenic therapy is less beneficial for alopecia than for hirsutism or acne, it still offers some improvement, indicating a lesser androgen dependence of alopecia.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    15 / 15 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 25 results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community I am having Success with RU58841 and 1mm Derma Roller

      in Microneedling  19 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user reported success with RU58841 and a 1mm derma roller for hair regrowth, noting significant improvement in hair density and reduced scalp visibility. They also mentioned using minoxidil and black castor oil in the past, with mixed results.

      community Spironolactone or bicalutamide prescription

      in Treatment  4 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about someone seeking a doctor in the EU who prescribes spironolactone or bicalutamide for female pattern hair loss, as they are having difficulty finding treatment options beyond Minoxidil in Austria. They are asking for recommendations and are open to direct messages for assistance.

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  53 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Coegin Pharma to release Follicopeptide (FOL005) by Q2 2025

      in Treatment  117 upvotes 3 months ago
      Follicopeptide (FOL005) by Coegin Pharma will launch as a cosmetic hair growth treatment by Q2 2025, showing similar efficacy to finasteride. Users discuss the benefits and skepticism of releasing hair loss treatments as cosmetics rather than drugs.

      community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

      in Update  35 upvotes 5 years ago
      The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

    Related Research

    4 / 4 results