An Updated Clinico-Investigative Approach to Diagnosis of Cutaneous Hyperandrogenism in Relation to Adult Female Acne, Female Pattern Alopecia, and Hirsutism: A Primer for Dermatologists

December 2023 in “ Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism ”

Kabir Sardana, Aishwarya Muddebihal, Manu Sehrawat, Parveen Bansal, Ananta Khurana

cutaneous hyperandrogenism adult female acne female pattern alopecia hirsutism

Studysummary In this study, researchers described hyperandrogenism as a condition resulting from excessive androgen production, which can lead to symptoms like acne, hirsutism, and hair loss, particularly relevant for dermatological evaluation and management in adult females.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

We don't know much about this study yet.

View this study on tandfonline.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

33 / 33 results

Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

research Recommendations From The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline For The Assessment And Management Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

6 citations , August 2023 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review details the 2023 International Guideline update for assessing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome, which provides evidence-based recommendations to improve care and patient outcomes but notes the remaining low to moderate quality of evidence.

research Approach to Androgen Excess in Women: Clinical and Biochemical Insights

14 citations , March 2022 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This review outlines a diagnostic approach for identifying non-PCOS pathology in women with androgen excess, emphasizing the importance of clinical history and biochemical phenotyping but reports no new clinical results.

research Age-Specific Cut-Off Levels of Anti-Müllerian Hormone as Diagnostic Markers for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

8 citations , May 2021 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

This study found that using age-specific AMH cut-off levels can help better identify PCOS patients across different age groups from 20 to 40 years.

research A Prospective Study Examining Isolated Acne and Acne with Hyperandrogenic Signs in Adult Females

3 citations , December 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study observed that adult female acne may be associated with hyperandrogenic features and polycystic ovary syndrome, though routine hormonal tests often do not show abnormalities other than PCOS.

research Diagnostic Thresholds for Androgen-Producing Tumors or Pathologic Hyperandrogenism in Women Using Total Testosterone Concentrations Measured by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

13 citations , August 2018 in “Clinical Chemistry”

This study determined that a total testosterone concentration of ≥5.1 nmol/L identified androgen-producing tumors in women with severe hyperandrogenemia, while a lower threshold of ≥2.2 nmol/L was found for diagnosing pathologic hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women.

research 5α-Reductase Isozymes and Aromatase mRNA Levels in Plucked Hair from Young Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

21 citations , November 2017 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study found that women with female pattern hair loss had increased 5α-reductase isozymes and decreased aromatase mRNA levels, potentially affecting their response to treatment.

Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Revisited: An Update with a Special Focus on Adolescent and Adult Women

research Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Revisited: An Update with a Special Focus on Adolescent and Adult Women

117 citations , May 2017 in “Human Reproduction Update”

This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for non-classic congenital hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and provides evidence-based recommendations for its treatment and genetic counseling.

Discriminating Between Virilizing Ovary Tumors and Ovary Hyperthecosis in Postmenopausal Women: Clinical Data, Hormonal Profiles, and Imaging Studies

research Discriminating Between Virilizing Ovary Tumors and Ovary Hyperthecosis in Postmenopausal Women: Clinical Data, Hormonal Profiles, and Imaging Studies

27 citations , April 2017 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This retrospective study found that serum hormone levels and MRI detection of ovarian nodules contributed to distinguishing virilizing ovarian tumors from ovarian stromal hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women, though histopathology remains crucial for diagnosis.

research ADT-G as a Promising Biomarker for Peripheral Hyperandrogenism in Adult Female Acne

6 citations , January 2017 in “Dermato-endocrinology”

This study found that androsterone glucuronate (ADT-G) was the only androgenic metabolite sensitive to detecting differences between adult women with acne and controls, and its levels decreased with systemic treatment.

research Management of Endocrine Disease: Hyperandrogenism After Menopause

84 citations , September 2014 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This review examines the causes and characteristics of androgen excess in postmenopausal women, but reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize challenges in diagnosis and potential long-term health impacts.

research The 5 Alpha-Reductase Isozyme Family: A Review of Basic Biology and Their Role in Human Diseases

218 citations , December 2011 in “Advances in Urology”

This review discusses the biochemical properties and clinical significance of 5 alpha-reductase isozymes and reports no new clinical results.

Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

research Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hirsutism: A Consensus Statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society

378 citations , November 2011 in “Human reproduction update”

This review discusses the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and management of hirsutism in women, noting that effective treatment requires addressing the root cause as well as the hair growth.

research Visually Scoring Hirsutism

288 citations , June 2009 in “Human reproduction update”

This review examines various methods for assessing hair growth in women, highlighting the usefulness of the mFG visual scoring method for diagnosing hirsutism despite its limitations.

research Hormones and the Pilosebaceous Unit

97 citations , March 2009 in “Dermato-endocrinology”

This review explores the role of hormones in pilosebaceous units and associated skin disorders, focusing on androgen action, without presenting new clinical findings.

research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

105 citations , January 2009 in “Medicine”

This study found that ethinylestradiol and high-dose cyproterone acetate significantly reduced hirsutism scores and were effective for treating acne and alopecia in women with hyperandrogenism.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses the definition of polycystic ovary syndrome proposed by the AE-PCOS Society Task Force, emphasizing hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and excluding related disorders, while noting potential variations needing more research.

research Postmenopausal Virilization After Spousal Use of Topical Androgens

20 citations , January 2007 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This case report highlights that a postmenopausal woman experienced virilization due to unintentional transdermal absorption of testosterone from her spouse's topical androgen via shared washcloths, underscoring the importance of considering exogenous androgen exposure in similar diagnoses.

Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This review discusses definitions of polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical results; the authors support using modified 1990 NIH criteria and acknowledge ongoing evolution as research advances.

research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred Because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism

352 citations , January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study reported that classic anovulatory PCOS was the most common androgen excess disorder, followed by mild ovulatory PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, among patients evaluated for clinical hyperandrogenism.

research Thyroid Dysfunction and Women's Reproductive Health

85 citations , April 2004 in “Thyroid”

This article emphasizes the importance of thyroid function monitoring and management in women, particularly for those planning pregnancy or postpartum, but reports no new clinical results.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, polycystic ovary syndrome was the most prevalent cause of androgen excess, and suppressive hormonal therapy improved hirsutism, menstrual dysfunction, and acne in most patients, though side effects were common.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its broad range of manifestations and associations with risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events, but reports no new clinical results.

research Human Skin Is a Steroidogenic Tissue: Steroidogenic Enzymes and Cofactors Are Expressed in Epidermis, Normal Sebocytes, and an Immortalized Sebocyte Cell Line (SEB-1)

289 citations , May 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study demonstrates that human skin is capable of steroid hormone synthesis, but its role in androgenic skin disorders like acne and alopecia is yet to be clarified.

research Cutaneous Androgen Metabolism: Basic Research And Clinical Perspectives

233 citations , November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This review explores androgen metabolism in the skin, highlighting enzyme localization and potential implications for treating androgen-dependent skin conditions, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Role of Androgens in Female-Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia, Either Alone or Associated with Other Symptoms of Hyperandrogenism

47 citations , December 2000 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia showed higher levels of certain hormones and lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin than healthy controls, potentially linking these factors to alopecia severity.

research Idiopathic Hirsutism: Androgen Role and Treatment Options

47 citations , August 2000 in “Endocrine Reviews”

This review discusses idiopathic hirsutism, potential underlying mechanisms, and various therapeutic approaches without providing new clinical results, and emphasizes the need for further research on well-defined patient groups.

research Screening for 21-Hydroxylase-Deficient Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasia Among Hyperandrogenic Women: A Prospective Study

216 citations , November 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that a basal 17-hydroxyprogesterone level is effective for screening nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women, with a 4 ng/mL cutoff providing high specificity and positive predictive value.

research Serum 3α-Androstanediol-Glucuronide Is Decreased in Nonhirsute Women with Acne Vulgaris

10 citations , December 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that in women with acne vulgaris, lower serum levels of 3α-androstanediol-glucuronide suggest reduced 5α-reductase activity compared to controls, indicating that 5α-reductase inhibitors may not be effective for acne treatment.

A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

In this study of women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia, diverse underlying endocrine disorders including polycystic ovaries and various enzyme deficiencies were detected, often associated with elevated testosterone levels.

research Acne, Hirsutism, and Alopecia in Adolescent Girls: Clinical Expressions of Androgen Excess

83 citations , September 1993 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America”

research Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

32 citations , January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This study found that women with female pattern androgenic alopecia have significantly higher levels of certain androgens and androgen sulfates compared to normal premenopausal women, suggesting markers for diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

research Hirsutism in Adolescent Females

13 citations , June 1989 in “Pediatric clinics of North America/The Pediatric clinics of North America”

This article reviews assessment and management strategies for adolescent females with excessive hair growth and highlights the importance of evaluating potential androgen sources.

research 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide in Plasma: A Marker of Androgen Action in Idiopathic Hirsutism

179 citations , May 1982 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation”

This study found that plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly elevated in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting it may be a marker of peripheral androgen action.