The prevalence of androgen excess among patients with minimal unwanted hair growth

The prevalence of androgen excess (AE) and the value of preemptive endocrine evaluation in women with minimal unwanted hair growth are unclear. A total of 228 patients presented with minimal unwanted hair growth and a mF-G score of 5 or less. Total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2004-12, Vol.191 (6), p.1914-1920
Main Authors: Souter, Irene, Sanchez, Luis A., Perez, Marilda, Bartolucci, Alfred A., Azziz, Ricardo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Distribution
Androgens
Androgens - metabolism
Biological and medical sciences
Case-Control Studies
Confidence Intervals
Female
Female genital diseases
Follow-Up Studies
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Hair - growth & development
Hair growth
Hirsutism
Hirsutism - epidemiology
Hirsutism - etiology
Hirsutism - physiopathology
Humans
Hyperandrogenism - complications
Hyperandrogenism - diagnosis
Logistic Models
Medical sciences
Non tumoral diseases
Odds Ratio
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - complications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - diagnosis
Predictive Value of Tests
Prevalence
Probability
Puberal and climacteric disorders (male and female)
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
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Summary:The prevalence of androgen excess (AE) and the value of preemptive endocrine evaluation in women with minimal unwanted hair growth are unclear. A total of 228 patients presented with minimal unwanted hair growth and a mF-G score of 5 or less. Total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and basal insulin and glucose levels were measured. Of the patients, 54% demonstrated an AE disorder (50%: polycystic ovary syndrome, 2%: hyperandrogenic insulin-resistant acanthosis nigricans syndrome, 2%: nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia), 29% isolated oligoovulation, 6% isolated hyperandrogenemia, and 10% had a normal evaluation. Of the patients with menstrual irregularities, 65% had an underlying AE disorder compared with 22% of those with normal menstrual function ( P < .001). Of eumenorrheic patients, 11% had oligo-ovulation and an AE disorder. Patients with minimal unwanted hair growth should be evaluated endocrinologically because approximately 50% of subjects demonstrate an AE disorder. Eumenorrhea does not preclude an underlying AE disorder, and ovulatory function should be assessed in these women.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2004.06.064