The SAHA Syndrome: Overview and Classification

The document from 2000 provides an overview of SAHA syndrome, which includes seborrhea, acne, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia in women, often linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. It outlines the classification of SAHA syndrome into idiopathic, ovarian, adrenal, hyperprolactinemic types, and HAIRAN syndrome, each with specific clinical and biochemical characteristics. The syndrome is associated with either high levels of androgens or an increased sensitivity to normal androgen levels, affecting young to middle-aged women. Diagnosis involves identifying the cause of hyperandrogenism and treatment is tailored to the etiology, with a focus on improving clinical features in idiopathic cases. The document also emphasizes the importance of laboratory evaluations, including the ratio of total androgens to SHBG and levels of 3α-androstanediol glucuronide, in assessing androgenetic alopecia in females. Treatment options may include antiandrogens, oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids, or insulin-lowering medications, and can take several months to improve hair growth and other symptoms.