A new study published in Problemy Endocrinologii aimed to characterize variations of physiological hyperandrogenism in men.

This was a continuous cross-sectional study of 100 men with hyperandrogenism. 

It was found that the age and volume of the prostate in group 1 patients were statistically significantly higher than that in the other groups. This group had high levels of total testosterone, butdid not present with acne. Group 2 patients complained of acne more often, yet the prevalencewas statistically significantly lower than in group 3. Meanwhile, the frequency of occurrence of alopecia was statistically significantly lower in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4. However, patients of group 3 had the most striking clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism and group 4 was characterized by alopecia.

It was inferred that an increase in androgen levels can be detected at any age. In aged men, an increase in the level of total testosterone may occur due to increased secretion of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG),and may not be accompanied by an increase in the level of free testosterone. On the other hand,in young patients, clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism may differ. Those with elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels exhibit androgenic alopecia. Moreover, acne is common in men with elevated total and free testosterone levels and increased DHT exacerbates the problem.

Source: Problemy Endocrinologii. 2021 Mar 30;67(2):111-115. doi: 10.14341/probl12732.