Androgen abnormalities in acne vulgaris

Thirty-six women with acne vulgaris who consulted gynecologist with complaints of hirsutism, infertility, menorrhagia, or oligomenorrhea were evaluated for an androgen abnormality with assays for testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), and dehydro-epi-androsterone (DHEA). Forty-eight percent of the DHEA measurements were elevated and 61% of the patients had elevation of one or more of the three measurements. The frequency of abnormal androgen levels remained relatively constant regardless of the severity of the presenting signs and symptoms. This study calls attention to the high frequency of an androgen abnormality in acne patients who also have evidence of hirsutism, menstrual irregularity, and/or infertility. Consideration should be given to assaying DHEA, T, and A levels in an effort to discover those patients who have a systemic endocrine disorder, of which acne manifests as a sign.