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Does a male polycystic ovarian syndrome equivalent exist?

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation volume 41, pages 49–57 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

The occurrence of a genetic background in the etiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represents the rational basis to postulate the existence of a male PCOS equivalent. Hormonal and metabolic abnormalities have been described in male relatives of women with PCOS. These males also have a higher prevalence of early onset (<35 years) androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Hence, this feature has been proposed as a clinical sign of the male PCOS equivalent. Clinical evidence has shown that men with early onset AGA have hormonal and metabolic abnormalities. Large cohort studies have clearly shown a higher prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus (DM II) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in elderly men with early onset AGA. In addition, prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis have been described. These findings support the existence of the male PCOS equivalent, which may represent an endocrine syndrome with a metabolic background, and might predispose to the development of DM II, CVDs, prostate cancer, BPH and prostatitis later in life. Its acknowledgment would be helpful for the prevention of these long-term complications.

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Fig. 1

Abbreviations

AGA:

Androgenetic alopecia

AMH:

Antimullerian hormone

BPH:

Benign prostate hyperplasia

CHD:

Coronary heart disease

CVDs:

Cardiovascular diseases

DHEAS:

Dehydroepiandrosterone

DM II:

Type II diabetes mellitus

EPC:

Endothelial progenitors cells

FIRI:

Fasting insulin-resistance index

FMD:

Flow-mediated dilation

FSH:

Follicle stimulating hormone

GnRH:

Gonadotropin releasing hormone

GWAS:

Genome-wide association studies

LH:

Luteinizing hormone

17αOH-P:

17α-hydroxy-progesterone

MI:

Myocardial infarction

mTORC1:

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1

PCOS:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

PRL:

Prolactin

SHBG:

Sex hormone binding globulin

T:

Testosterone

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  1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”, via S. Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy

    R. Cannarella, R. A. Condorelli, L. M. Mongioì, S. La Vignera & A. E. Calogero

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  1. R. Cannarella
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  2. R. A. Condorelli
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  3. L. M. Mongioì
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Cannarella, R., Condorelli, R.A., Mongioì, L.M. et al. Does a male polycystic ovarian syndrome equivalent exist?. J Endocrinol Invest 41, 49–57 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-017-0728-5

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