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Hyperandrogenemia in patients presenting with acne
S M Slayden1, C Moran, W M Sams
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35249-7333, USA.
Fertility and Sterility
|May 4, 2001
Summary
Hyperandrogenemia, characterized by elevated androgens, is common in women with acne, even without hirsutism. This suggests that treatments targeting androgen levels may effectively manage acne in many patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition with complex multifactorial etiology.
- Hyperandrogenism is a known contributor to acne, particularly in cases with hirsutism or irregular menses.
- The role of hyperandrogenemia in nonhirsute women with acne requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between acne and hyperandrogenemia in women without hirsutism.
- To determine if age influences the prevalence of hyperandrogenemia in acne patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective controlled study was conducted at a tertiary-care medical center.
- Thirty women with acne (no hirsutism) and 24 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Hormonal assays including total and free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, and ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone were performed.
Main Results:
- Acne patients exhibited lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and higher free testosterone and DHEAS levels compared to controls.
- 63% of acne patients had at least one elevated androgen level.
- Hyperandrogenemia was observed in 88% of adolescent acne patients and 55% of adult acne patients.
Conclusions:
- A majority of women with acne, irrespective of hirsutism or age, show biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenemia.
- These findings support the potential efficacy of androgen suppression therapies for managing acne in a significant proportion of affected individuals.
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