Hormones, especially testosterone and DHT, are key for penis development and function, and testosterone therapy may help with erectile dysfunction in those with low levels.
418 citations,
June 2003 in “Endocrine Reviews” While PCOS might increase the risk of heart disease, there's not strong evidence to prove it causes earlier heart problems.
204 citations,
May 2014 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Hormone therapy for trans individuals is effective and generally safe in the short term.
166 citations,
March 2007 in “Hypertension” High androgen levels in young women with PCOS are linked to higher blood pressure.
119 citations,
July 2016 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Vitamin D has potential benefits for cancer prevention, heart health, diabetes, obesity, muscle function, skin health, and immune function, but clinical results are mixed and more research is needed.
97 citations,
September 2016 in “Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders” The sebaceous gland has more roles than just producing sebum and contributing to acne, and new research could lead to better skin disease treatments.
96 citations,
September 2008 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Hormonal treatments, including birth control and antiandrogens, can effectively treat acne in women.
72 citations,
January 2011 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
68 citations,
June 2005 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” Oestrogens help maintain healthy skin, heal wounds, and may protect against skin aging and cancer.
62 citations,
April 2013 in “Steroids” PCOS symptoms change with age; younger women have higher androgen levels and less metabolic issues, while older women face more metabolic challenges despite milder PCOS symptoms.
60 citations,
February 2010 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Metformin combined with lifestyle changes improves insulin resistance and reduces testosterone levels in women with PCOS more than lifestyle changes alone.
58 citations,
January 2003 in “Thrombosis and Haemostasis” Testosterone may slow down wound healing and increase inflammation.
49 citations,
February 2009 in “Maturitas” Short-term testosterone therapy in women seems safe with few mild side effects, but long-term effects need more research.
49 citations,
November 1992 in “Archives of dermatology” Different treatments for alopecia areata have varying success rates and side effects; intralesional steroids are most effective.
47 citations,
December 2000 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Androgens significantly affect female hair loss, and hormonal treatments may help.
46 citations,
August 1990 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Ketoconazole reduced hair growth and improved acne in women, but caused side effects needing careful monitoring.
42 citations,
September 2007 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The research found that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has two distinct types, with one having more severe hormone and insulin issues.
39 citations,
September 2012 in “Human Reproduction” Certain genetic variations in the SHBG gene are linked to an increased or decreased risk of PCOS in Mediterranean women.
36 citations,
May 2017 in “The journal of sexual medicine” Cyproterone acetate treatment is safe and causes mild feminization, which increases with added estrogen.
35 citations,
May 2022 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Androgens like testosterone are important hormones for both men and women, made differently in each sex and affecting the body by regulating genes and quick interactions with cell components.
34 citations,
July 2020 in “Frontiers in immunology” Androgens may influence T cells, contributing to higher autoimmune liver disease risk in women.
33 citations,
October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride reduces hair growth and is safe for women with excessive hair.
32 citations,
April 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Women with severe types of PCOS are more likely to have metabolic syndrome, and belly fat is a key predictor of this risk.
31 citations,
January 1981 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Oral retinoids are effective for treating severe skin disorders but have reversible side effects and risks for pregnant women.
28 citations,
August 2000 in “Current Opinion in Chemical Biology” Future osteoporosis treatments should focus on increasing bone growth, with many promising options available.
24 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Hormonal treatment is effective for women with acne not helped by usual treatments, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.
23 citations,
March 2019 in “Environmental Chemistry Letters” Cyclodextrins improve how steroid drugs work and are used in marketed medications and environmental applications.
21 citations,
January 2017 in “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology” Acne is an important sign of androgen excess disorders in women.
19 citations,
January 2017 in “Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation” High levels of male hormones are very common in women with PCOS and affect their metabolism differently depending on their weight.
18 citations,
March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.