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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Serum androsterone conjugates differentiate between acne and hirsutism in hyperandrogenic women

subject

description

Objective To determine if among hyperandrogenic women acne may be differentiated from hirsutism by markers of peripheral androgen metabolism. Design Prospective outpatient study of 36 hyperandrogenic women and controls divided into groups based on the presence or absence of significant hirsutism and the presence or absence of moderate to severe acne. Serum levels of adrenal and ovarian derived androgens were elevated but similar in all patient groups. Interventions Measurement of serum androgens including metabolites of 5 α -reductase activity: 3 α -androstanediol glucuronide and sulfate and androsterone (A) glucuronide and sulfate. Results 3 α -androstanediol glucuronide and sulfate were elevated in all groups ( P P P Conclusions Altered peripheral metabolism in acne may favor the formation of A conjugates, which may help differentiate acne from hirsutism among hyperandrogenic women.