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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Souter
Irene
I
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif, USA.
Sanchez
Luis A
LA
Perez
Marilda
M
Bartolucci
Alfred A
AA
Azziz
Ricardo
R
D017677:Age Distribution; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016015:Logistic Models; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000728:Androgens