Incidence of Increased Androgen Levels in Patients Suffering from Acne

    January 1998 in “ Dermatology ”
    Christina Henze, B. Hinney, W. Wuttke
    TLDR Many acne patients have high androgen levels, which may lead to PCOD, but treatments like oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can help.
    The study explored the relationship between androgen levels and acne, finding that over 30% of acne patients had elevated testosterone and/or DHEAS levels, while 38% had normal levels, and 32% had levels in the upper range of normality. Elevated LH levels were observed in 22% of acne patients, suggesting a potential progression towards polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). The study highlighted that severe acne could occur even with normal androgen levels due to the local conversion of testosterone to the potent androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone by 5α-reductase, or due to increased sensitivity of androgen receptors. Treatment strategies included using oral contraceptives to inhibit LH secretion and antiandrogens to block androgen receptors, effectively reducing acne and potentially preventing PCOD-related sterility. The study emphasized the need for collaboration between dermatologists and gynecological endocrinologists and called for long-term studies to confirm these treatment benefits.
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