TLDR Hidradenitis suppurativa improves with antiandrogen therapy.
The 1986 study by Mortimer et al. found that hidradenitis suppurativa, a condition causing inflamed regions in the pubic and axillary areas, is androgen-dependent as it responded to treatment with the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate in a double-blind trial. The study, which built on previous research and anecdotal evidence, involved reverse sequential therapy with cyproterone acetate and ethinyloestradiol and showed effectiveness in most cases of female hidradenitis suppurativa. The editorial accompanying the study highlighted that the success of antiandrogen therapy is likely due to the blocking of androgen receptors at the target site, indicating that the tissue response to androgens is more significant than the levels of circulating androgens, as many patients have normal free testosterone levels.
40 citations,
March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Young women with diffuse hair loss may have low SHBG levels, which could lead to more active testosterone and contribute to their hair loss.
1 citations,
January 2017 in “Expert opinion on orphan drugs” Adalimumab is the most effective treatment for severe hidradenitis suppurativa, but more research is needed to improve treatment options.
8 citations,
January 2003 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Women with myotonic dystrophy might get diseases related to male hormones because their body tissues are extra sensitive to these hormones.
36 citations,
December 2015 in “Drugs” New treatments for a chronic skin condition show promise, but individualized plans are crucial due to varying responses.
15 citations,
January 1988 in “Drugs” The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excessive hair growth are temporary and not well-studied.
27 citations,
December 2015 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” The document concludes that lifestyle changes and medical treatments can significantly reduce symptoms of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic skin condition.