Endocrinologic Aspects of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The 2016 document indicates that endocrinologic factors may play a role in the development and persistence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, although their exact role is not fully understood. HS typically occurs after puberty, is more common in obese individuals, and is associated with metabolic and endocrinologic disorders such as dyslipidemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, and thyroid disease. The condition may involve abnormal androgen conversion in apocrine glands, leading to hormonal imbalances at the local level. Obesity is a known trigger for HS, and the condition is linked to metabolic syndrome. Hormonal treatments, including antiandrogens and metformin, may be effective for stubborn cases of HS or when hormonal dysregulation is identified. However, the document concludes that there is insufficient evidence to classify endocrinologic disorders as an independent cause of HS, suggesting instead that they may be secondary to other significant risk factors like obesity.