Gynecologic and Andrologic Dermatology and the Metabolic Syndrome

The document from 2018 examines the link between sex hormones, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and related skin conditions, emphasizing the role of insulin resistance (IR) as a common factor. It points out that lower testosterone levels in men and higher levels in women are associated with increased risks of MetS and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and that lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels are a risk factor for both sexes. Skin conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acanthosis nigricans, acne vulgaris, and pattern alopecia are connected to IR, which can lead to metabolic and cardiovascular complications. The document suggests monitoring patients with these conditions for complications and intervening early to prevent T2DM and reduce cardiovascular risks. It also reviews the effects of exogenous sex hormones, such as estrogen replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, on MetS, and notes the higher prevalence of glucose intolerance and T2DM in non-obese PCOS patients compared to the general population. Additionally, it mentions that androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men and female pattern alopecia (FPA) in women are linked to MetS, with early-onset AGA increasing the risk of MetS by 2.3 times. The conclusion stresses the importance of recognizing and managing skin diseases associated with IR and MetS to prevent T2DM and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. The document references a meta-analysis and several comparative studies but does not provide specific participant numbers.