Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder of unknown etiology. The role of hormones in HS remains unclear, but the observation of premenstrual flares, female predominance, and improvement during pregnancy suggest a hormonal/metabolic background. The reported positive effects of antiandrogen therapy supports a possible role of androgens. The predominant onset of the disease years after puberty may indicate a metabolic disorder. Obesity contributes significantly to HS pathogenesis; diabetes, dyslipidemia, the metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are among the commonest comorbidities. More studies are required to clarify a potential hormonal dysregulation in HS.
Keywords: Acne inversa; Androgens; Apocrine glands; Endocrinology; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Hyperandrogenism; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity.
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