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

The 2023 guideline for PCOS suggests using updated diagnostic criteria, assessing related health risks, and recommends lifestyle changes and specific treatments for symptoms and fertility issues.

The document concludes that a systematic approach is crucial to identify causes of androgen excess in women beyond the most common cause, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Different levels of anti-Müllerian hormone can help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome in women of different ages.

Acne in adult women may occur alone or with signs of high male hormones.

Higher enzyme levels found in women with hair loss, suggesting hormone imbalance.

The research found that MRI and certain hormone levels can help tell apart ovarian tumors from hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women, but tissue analysis is still needed for a definite diagnosis.

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.

ADT-G may be a useful indicator of increased androgen levels in women with acne and can be lowered with certain birth control pills.

Doctors should check for serious tumor causes of high androgen levels in postmenopausal women and more research is needed on this condition.

The document concludes that the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes are important in steroid metabolism and related to various human diseases, with inhibitors used to treat conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate issues.

Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.

The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.

Hormones significantly affect hair and oil gland function in the skin, and more research is needed on skin-related hormone disorders.

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.

A woman developed male traits from accidental contact with her husband's testosterone gel.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.

Thyroid problems can negatively affect women's reproductive health and pregnancy, and can cause symptoms like fatigue and depression, but not all women with these symptoms need treatment.

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

Creating stronger blockers for skin enzymes might lead to better treatment for conditions like acne and excessive hair growth.

Androgens significantly affect female hair loss, and hormonal treatments may help.

The document concludes that more research is needed to understand excessive hair growth in women with normal hormone levels and regular ovulation.

Testing basal 17-HP levels is a good way to screen for nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia in women with high androgen levels.

Women with acne have lower levels of a specific hormone marker than women without acne.

Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.

Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.

The conclusion is that young women with excessive hair growth should be quickly tested for hormonal issues and treated to improve their social well-being.

High levels of 3 alpha-diol glucuronide in the blood are a marker of increased androgen action in women with excessive hair growth of unknown cause.