TLDR A young woman with kidney failure had hair loss due to a common hormonal disorder, which improved with hormone therapy.
The case report described a 30-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis who presented with progressive hair loss, hirsutism, and amenorrhea. Hormonal evaluation confirmed androgen excess, leading to a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common cause of ovarian androgen excess. The patient's nonscarring alopecia, along with hirsutism and amenorrhea, suggested an underlying androgen excess. Treatment with a combined estrogen-progestin therapy improved her hirsutism, reversed alopecia, and resulted in regular menstrual bleeding. The report highlighted that while ESRD is associated with a low rate of conception and a high rate of spontaneous abortion, clomiphene citrate, which induces ovulation, might be a treatment option after successful renal transplantation. The case emphasized the importance of considering PCOS in women with ESRD who present with symptoms of androgen excess, and it discussed the management of PCOS, including the control of hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities.
129 citations,
October 2007 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.
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.
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117 citations,
May 2017 in “Human Reproduction Update” The update highlights that non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is common in women with excess male hormones, requires specific hormone tests for diagnosis, and has various treatment options depending on age and symptoms.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
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The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and management of PCOS are crucial due to its associated health risks.
Hormonal treatments can help with hair loss, acne, and excess hair growth, but it takes 3-6 months to see results and patients should know the possible side effects.
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.
