TLDR HAIR-AN syndrome is common in young women and can be effectively managed with a comprehensive treatment plan.
The study reviewed clinical data from an outpatient adolescent clinic and found that 5% of 1,002 young women (ages 10-21) were diagnosed with HAIR-AN syndrome, a subphenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome. The mean age of patients was 15.5 years, with an initial mean weight of 94.5 kg and a mean BMI of 33.33 kg/m². Treatment included weight stabilization and reduction, oral contraceptive pills, and metformin. Results showed that 80% of patients were compliant with treatment, 60% maintained or reduced their weight, 95% had regular menstrual cycles, and most saw improvement or no worsening in acne and hirsutism. The study concluded that HAIR-AN syndrome was common in young women and that aggressive, multifaceted treatment was effective in reducing symptoms and preventing further issues.
26 citations,
June 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America” More research is needed to understand the long-term benefits of insulin-sensitizing drugs for treating adolescents with PCOS.
17 citations,
April 1997 in “Archives of dermatology” The document describes a treatment for excessive hair growth in a teenage girl using medication and birth control, but does not report the results.
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.
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.
67 citations,
February 2010 in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica” Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
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.