[Clinical significance of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone metabolism in women].

The document discussed hyperandrogenism in women, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing the source of excess androgens, which could be adrenal or ovarian. It noted that some women might have increased androgen sensitivity due to elevated 5 alpha-reductase activity in the skin, leading to increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. This increase is localized, not generalized. DHT is quickly converted to other metabolites, which reflect adrenal steroid production. Antiandrogens were identified as effective treatments for cutaneous hyperandrogenism. The document also mentioned ongoing clinical trials for finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, as a potential treatment for hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia.