Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Clinical Criteria

In 2006, a document outlined the clinical criteria for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, an endocrine disorder affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age, with PCOS as the most common cause. The disorder is characterized by symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, androgenic alopecia, and virilization, with hirsutism being the primary diagnostic marker present in up to 80% of cases. The document highlighted the importance of a thorough history and physical examination for diagnosis, noting that virilization suggests significantly elevated androgen levels and possibly an androgen-secreting tumor. It also mentioned the need for further research on the prevalence of androgen excess in women with only acne or androgenic alopecia and on hyperandrogenism outside of reproductive years. Ethnic and genetic factors were acknowledged as influencing hair distribution, and the assessment of additional features like acanthosis nigricans and Cushingoid features was recommended.