The Role of Hormones in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review
December 2022
in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”
TLDR
Hormone imbalance is linked to Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a skin condition, and treatments like anti-androgenic therapy and metformin can help. It's also suggested to check patients for insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic skin condition, is associated with hormonal dysregulation, according to a systematic review. The disease is linked with a dysregulated release of pro-inflammatory adipokines and insulin resistance, which is more common in HS patients regardless of BMI, age, and gender, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease. Anti-androgenic therapy, using drugs like finasteride, spironolactone, and cyproterone acetate, has shown effectiveness in treating HS, especially in female patients. Metabolic syndrome is present in 32.4% of HS patients, with a 1.69-fold higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Antidiabetic therapy with metformin resulted in clinical improvement in 50%–72% of HS patients. The prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in HS is 9%, and HS symptoms can worsen around menstruation and improve during pregnancy. The review recommends screening HS patients for insulin resistance and PCOS.
View this study on mdpi.com →
Cited in this study

research Antiandrogen therapy in hidradenitis suppurativa: finasteride for females
Finasteride helps reduce hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms in females.
research Antiandrogen therapy with spironolactone for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

research Comment on “Hidradenitis suppurativa in children treated with finasteride-A case series”
Finasteride may help treat hidradenitis suppurativa in children, but concerns exist about ethics, safety, and proper use.

research Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children Treated with Finasteride-A Case Series
Finasteride improves hidradenitis suppurativa in children with no adverse effects.

research Finasteride for the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children and Adolescents
Finasteride reduces Hidradenitis Suppurativa flare-ups in children and teens, but long-term safety is unknown.

research Hidradenitis suppurativa treated with finasteride
Finasteride effectively treats hidradenitis suppurativa for most patients.