Bioactive and Peripheral Androgens in Prepubertal Simple Hypertrichosis

The study investigated prepubertal simple hypertrichosis, characterized by excessive vellus hair growth in children, by examining 16 girls with the condition and 12 age-matched controls. The research aimed to determine if this condition was linked to abnormal androgen levels. The study found that testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were similar between the hypertrichosis group and controls, indicating no increased glandular androgen secretion. However, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were significantly higher in the hypertrichosis group, while 3α-androstanediol and its glucuronide were comparable to controls. The elevated DHT levels, without corresponding increases in other metabolites, suggested a unique biochemical profile in these patients, warranting further investigation into the clinical significance of high DHT levels in prepubertal simple hypertrichosis.