Masculinizing Syndromes

Abstract

Acne is a frequent but not inevitable manifestation of masculinizing disorders. Many different syndromes are now recognized and can be accurately diagnosed by the powerful tools of modern endocrinology. All have in common the excessive production of androgens. The main sources are abnormalities of the ovaries and adrenals, neoplasms and hyperplasias being by far the commonest. Awareness has grown that androgen stimulation often derives from ectopic sources. For instance, bronchial carcinomas may secrete polypeptides such as ACTH which may in turn stimulate abnormal amounts of androgen production in the adrenal cortex. Testosterone is of course the most potent of these but other adrenal androgens are commonly at fault.