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Pathogenesis and treatment of hirsutism in late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2009

E Carmina
E Carmina*
Affiliation:
Department of Endocrinology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
*
Visiting Research Scientist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Centre, 622 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Extract

Late-onset or nonclassic hyperandrogenic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an attenuated deficiency of 21-hydroxylase, 3β-ol-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase or 11β-hydroxylase which presents during childhood or adolescence and leads to an increased secretion of adrenal androgens. Many reviews of the genetic or hormonal characteristics of these syndromes have been published, but relatively little attention has been paid to the pathogenesis and treatment of hirsutism which, in most young women, is the main complaint. In fact, it is generally assumed that the hirsutism is strictly related to the increased secretion of adrenal androgens and that glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice. However, some recent studies have shown that the ovary contributes to the hyperandrogenism of these patients and some alternative therapies have been proposed. This forms the matter of the present review.

Type
Articles
Information
Reproductive Medicine Review , Volume 4 , Issue 3 , October 1995 , pp. 179 - 187
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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