NOTE: Often, elevated androgen levels are not found in blood or urine. Even though there are high levels in the skin, where excessive androgen production causes problems, such as acne or increased or decreased hair growth.
- Symptoms of PCOS. Infrequent/light/no periods, anovulation (no ovulation), weight gain/obesity, hirsutism, INSULIN resistance (pre-diabetes; Acanthosis Nigrans - darkening of the skin at the nape of the neck and under arms indicates hyperinsulinemia), acne, male-pattern baldness, multiple small ovarian cysts (sonogram);
- Lack of ovulation causes a PROGESTERONE deficiency. Since the ovaries do not produce PROGESTERONE in the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle.
- Using PROGESTERONE to correct PCOS. If you have PCOS, 15-20 mg of PROGESTERONE cream daily from day 14 to day 28 (adjust for shorter or longer cycle) of your cycle will restore normality.
- DHT stimulates sebum production. Providing an ideal environment for propionbacterium acnes to grow and proliferate
- DHT also regulates follicular hyperkeratinization (overproduction of keratin) seen in acne. Adherence of dead skin cell leads to clogging of the skin pores and instigates the formation of comedone (acne lesion).
- Substantial evidence finds that 5AR activity is considerably higher in acne-prone areas compared to non acne-prone areas. BTW, this is one reason why application of apple cider vinegar deters acne (by removing dead skin cells).
Female hair loss is more complex than male pattern baldness. DHT is only one of several possible causes.
Women with increased levels of DHT may develop certain androgynous male secondary sex characteristics - Including:
- A deepened voice
- Hirsutism - facial hair and excessive hair growth in areas where females do not typically grow hair
American Hair Loss Association | Women's Hair Loss / Causes of Hair Loss
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
