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

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Dec;191(6):1914-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.06.064.

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of androgen excess (AE) and the value of preemptive endocrine evaluation in women with minimal unwanted hair growth are unclear.

Subjects: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Hirsutism / epidemiology
  • Hirsutism / etiology*
  • Hirsutism / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / complications
  • Hyperandrogenism / diagnosis*
  • Logistic Models
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Probability
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Androgens