New Biomarkers to Evaluate Hyperandrogenemic Women and Hypogonadal Men

January 2018 in “ Advances in Clinical Chemistry ”

Siddika E Karakas, Prasanth Surampudi

TLDR The document concludes that hormonal biomarkers are key for diagnosing hyperandrogenemia in women and hypogonadism in men.

The document from January 1, 2018, reviews biomarkers for diagnosing hyperandrogenemia in women and hypogonadism in men. It discusses the clinical relevance of hyperandrogenemia, which can lead to conditions like hirsutism, alopecia, and PCOS in women, and the importance of considering factors such as age, obesity, and metabolic health when interpreting hormone measurements. For men, hypogonadism is characterized by low testosterone and/or sperm count and can lead to symptoms like decreased libido and muscle mass. The prevalence of hypogonadism in men ranges from 2.1% to 12.8%, increasing with age. Biomarkers for hypogonadism include hormonal, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, semen, genetic/RNA, metabolic, microbiome, and muscle mass-related markers. The document emphasizes the importance of accurate serum testosterone measurement, with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) being the most accurate method. It also discusses the use of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for diagnosing PCOS in women, with levels >5 ng/mL being indicative, and the potential of new biomarkers like irisin for evaluating muscle mass in hypogonadal men. The review concludes by summarizing the current state of biomarkers for diagnosing hypogonadism, with hormonal biomarkers being the most commonly used for diagnosis. The document does not provide specific study sizes or detailed results but discusses the general utility and interpretation of these biomarkers in clinical practice.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Androgen Excess: Investigations and Management

82 citations , November 2016 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

The conclusion is that managing androgen excess requires long-term treatment, including hormonal contraceptives and androgen blockers, with follow-up after six months.

research The Prevalence and Phenotypic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

767 citations , September 2016 in “Human Reproduction”

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 6-10% of women, with varying symptoms and the need for standardized global definitions.

research Diagnosis and Challenges of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescence

30 citations , April 2014 in “Seminars in Reproductive Medicine”

Diagnosing PCOS in teenagers is hard because its symptoms often look like normal puberty, and there's a need for better diagnosis methods and agreement on criteria.

research An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism

49 citations , September 2012 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.

research Effect of Testosterone Supplementation With and Without a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor on Fat-Free Mass in Men With Suppressed Testosterone Production

124 citations , March 2012 in “JAMA”

Testosterone's muscle-building effects do not require its conversion to DHT.

research Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

59 citations , January 2010 in “International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology”

NonClassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a less severe form of a genetic disorder affecting adrenal gland function.

research Visually Scoring Hirsutism

288 citations , June 2009 in “Human reproduction update”

The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Exogenous Testosterone Alone or with Finasteride Increases Physical Performance, Grip Strength, and Lean Body Mass in Older Men with Low Serum Testosterone

506 citations , March 2005 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Testosterone therapy improves physical function, strength, and body composition in older men with low testosterone levels.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

research Ovarian Hormones and Adrenal Androgens During a Woman's Life Span

24 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Women's ovarian hormones and adrenal androgens change throughout life, affecting hair loss and health.

1 / 1 results

research 11-Oxyandrogens in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

9 citations , March 2022 in “Journal of the Endocrine Society”

Girls with PCOS have higher levels of certain androgens, which are linked to excess hair growth, but these androgens don't help diagnose PCOS.