TLDR Higher levels of unbound testosterone are linked to increased insulin resistance, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
The study examined the link between androgens and insulin resistance in 14 women with idiopathic hirsutism, 13 with polycystic ovary syndrome, and 6 control subjects. It found that serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with fasting immunoreactive insulin levels, while sex hormone-binding globulin had a negative correlation. Unbound testosterone showed a highly significant positive correlation with insulin levels. Treatments affecting hormone levels did not change insulin levels in idiopathic hirsutism patients but did lower both testosterone and insulin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. The study concluded that insulin resistance is highly correlated with unbound testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin, suggesting that obesity and androgen levels are important factors in insulin resistance.
179 citations,
May 1982 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” High levels of 3 alpha-diol glucuronide in the blood are a marker of increased androgen action in women with excessive hair growth of unknown cause.
183 citations,
March 1982 in “JAMA” Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.
124 citations,
September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
14 citations,
February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.
1 citations,
August 2013 in “Springer eBooks” Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
1 citations,
April 1993 in “Problemy e̊ndokrinologii” Spironolactone effectively reduces symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism and acne.
