TLDR Insulin resistance is not more common in idiopathic hirsutism patients than in healthy individuals.
The study investigated insulin resistance in 90 non-obese women divided into three groups: idiopathic hirsutism (IH), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and healthy individuals. It found no significant differences in serum insulin levels, HOMA-IR, or the prevalence of insulin resistance among the groups. The age-adjusted prevalence of insulin resistance was also similar across all groups. The conclusion was that insulin resistance was not more frequent in IH patients compared to healthy controls.
947 citations,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
60 citations,
September 2001 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Insulin resistance contributes to hormone imbalances in many women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
1 citations,
May 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)” Women with idiopathic hirsutism and PCOS have higher RBP4 levels, and PCOS is linked to greater insulin resistance; weight management may help both conditions.
192 citations,
September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.
11 citations,
October 2018 in “Hormone and Metabolic Research” Women with PCOS have similar bone density to healthy women, but those who are obese have higher bone density at some body sites.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
1 citations,
November 2023 in “Reproductive biology and endocrinology” Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance, especially those with phenotype B.
