Hyperprolactinemia and Hypophyseal Hypothyroidism as Cofactors in Hirsutism and Androgen-Induced Alopecia in Women

The study from 1991 investigated hormonal disturbances in 46 women with androgenic hair loss and 27 with hirsutism, compared to 27 women without endocrine disorders. It found that androgen-dependent hair growth issues were linked to more varied hormonal imbalances than just elevated androgen levels. Androstenedione was slightly elevated in hirsutism, while cortisol was significantly elevated in androgenic hair loss. The TRH-stimulation test revealed that hypothyroidism was significant in both conditions, with elevated TSH levels. Prolactin levels were also significantly elevated in both conditions, particularly in hirsutism. These findings suggested that hyperprolactinemia and hypophyseal hypothyroidism were important cofactors in these androgen-induced conditions.