Androgen abnormalities in acne vulgaris

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Dermatology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Acne vulgaris can be a sign of underlying systemic endocrine disorders.
• Hirsutism, infertility, menorrhagia, and oligomenorrhea are common gynecological complaints potentially linked to hormonal imbalances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the frequency of androgen abnormalities in women with acne vulgaris and concurrent gynecological symptoms.
• To determine if specific androgen levels (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA) are elevated in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 36 women with acne vulgaris presenting with hirsutism, infertility, menorrhagia, or oligomenorrhea.
• Assays were performed to measure levels of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), and dehydro-epi-androsterone (DHEA).

Main Results:

• Elevated dehydro-epi-androsterone (DHEA) levels were observed in 48% of the patients.
• 61% of the patients exhibited elevated levels of at least one of the three androgens tested (T, A, DHEA).
• The prevalence of abnormal androgen levels was consistent across varying severities of presenting signs and symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of acne patients with gynecological complaints exhibit androgen abnormalities.
• Testing for dehydro-epi-androsterone (DHEA), testosterone (T), and androstenedione (A) is recommended to identify systemic endocrine disorders.
• Acne can serve as a cutaneous manifestation of underlying hormonal imbalances requiring further endocrine investigation.