Hormonal profile and androgen status during the menstrual cycle in women with acne

The androgen excess in women with acne can play an important role in gynecological endocrinology. LH, FSH, PRL, Testosterone (T), Androstenedione (A), Deydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and Progesterone (P) were investigated in 21 women with uncomplicated idiopathic acne during the menstrual cycle. LF/FSH ratio greater than 3 was found in 7 cases (36.8%). Total T values were high in 90.4% of the whole group of women with acne (mean +/- SD 618.6 +/- 253.6, normal range 92-352 pg/ml). An ovulatory pattern of P was found in 66.65% of women with acne. Hyperprolactinemia was found in 23.6% of cases. The common denominator for ovulatory dysfunction in these women seems to be elevated LH levels, rather than elevated T levels.