TLDR PSA levels could help detect illegal steroid use in female athletes but face challenges like cost and PCOS prevalence.
The document from 2016 reviews the use of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) as a biomarker for hyperandrogenism in women and its potential application in antidoping efforts. It notes that PSA levels are significantly higher in women with hyperandrogenic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and that women with PCOS have urinary PSA concentrations nearly 200 times higher than those without the condition. The development of highly sensitive assays for PSA has improved the ability to measure low levels of PSA, which could help in detecting the use of illegal androgenic steroids among female athletes. The document also acknowledges the challenges of using PSA in antidoping, including cost, potential contamination, and the prevalence of PCOS among athletes, but suggests that ultrasensitive PSA assays could be valuable for the athlete's biological passport and for ensuring fair competition.
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December 2013 in “Clinical epidemiology” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women that can be managed with lifestyle changes and various medications.
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June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
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May 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)” PSA could be a marker for hyperandrogenism in women, but more research is needed.
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April 2007 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Prostate-specific antigen may be a new marker for excess male hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Women with androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) have normal prostate specific antigen levels but higher testosterone levels.
April 2022 in “Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology” PSA can help diagnose high androgen levels in women.
November 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens and androgen inhibitors like spironolactone, finasteride, and dutasteride can treat hair loss and skin conditions, but they have risks and side effects, including potential harm to pregnant women and risks of cancer and heart issues. Herbal remedies also have antiandrogenic effects but lack safety validation.
