Dermatology of androgen-related disorders
July 2006
in “Clinics in Dermatology”
TLDR Androgens cause skin issues like acne and hair growth in women, often due to PCOS, and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
The document from 2006 examines the impact of androgens on dermatological conditions and the treatment of androgen-related disorders, particularly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It reports that 82.0% of the 873 female patients studied had PCOS, which is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism. Dermatologic symptoms of hyperandrogenism include hirsutism, acne, acanthosis nigricans, and androgenic alopecia. The document details that androgens increase sebum production and the activity of 5α-reductase, which can lead to acne and hirsutism. For PCOS diagnosis, the Rotterdam criteria are used, requiring two of the following: hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, or polycystic ovaries. Treatments discussed include oral contraceptives, antiandrogens like spironolactone and flutamide, insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin, and FDA-approved minoxidil for androgenic alopecia. The document emphasizes the importance of treating the underlying cause of androgen excess with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially insulin-sensitizing drugs.
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