About diabetic bearded woman syndrome

What is diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

Achard-Thiers syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs primarily in postmenopausal women and is characterized by type 2 (insulin-resistant) diabetes mellitus and signs of androgen excess. The exact cause of this syndrome is unknown.

What are the symptoms for diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

The original description and usual emphasis in this syndrome is on the affected individual as a bearded woman with diabetes mellitus. In older women, the first clinical symptoms are often those associated with classic diabetes and may include abnormally high blood glucose due to the body’s inability to utilize insulin properly.

Those affected may also have abnormally high levels of glucose in the urine, frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, and weight loss. Other signs of the syndrome are directly due to the overproduction of androgens, and may include an increase in body hair, particularly on the face, chest, back, and other areas, receding hairline, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris; infertility; and obesity.

Typically, a detailed patient history shows the development of infrequent or very light menstrual periods in someone who has previously had normal menstruation (oligomenorrhea) or the absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) soon after the first menstrual period (menarche), commonly followed by development of excess body hair (hirsutism) and rapid weight gain. Many women with the disorder have acanthosis nigricans.

The constellation of clinical androgen excess and failure of the blood sugar control system to work properly (hyperinsulinemia) is now commonly identified earlier in a woman’s life, typically during adolescence and young adulthood, as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS.

What are the causes for diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

These syndromes appear to be transmitted within families. Approximately 50% of the sisters of women with PCOS have some form of the syndrome. The exact mechanism of genetic transmission is unknown.

What are the treatments for diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

Diabetes may be managed by diet and/or insulin or other medications, as required. Cosmetic measures (for example, waxing and electrolysis) can be used to facilitate hair removal. For younger women with PCOS, treatment with an oral contraceptive is the most common therapy, whereas for postmenopausal women with Achard-Thiers syndrome, hormone replacement therapy is usually recommended. Antiandrogens have also been used.

What are the risk factors for diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

The actual cause of this disorder is still not clear, but there are some risk factors doctors and researchers have noted that can lead to diabetic bearded woman syndrome-

  • In almost 50% of these cases, it is a genetic transmission.
  • Obesity might be a risk factor that develops this syndrome in the older days.
  • This syndrome is seen particularly in postmenopausal women, so it is important for every woman to take care of their health, especially after menopause.
  • Hypertension might also be a cause of this disorder.
  • The risk factors for diabetic bearded woman syndrome also include Angiopathy, a disease of the blood vessels or lymph vessels.
  • Women with PCOS are most likely to develop diabetic bearded woman syndrome post-menopause.
  • Though this disorder can’t be cured permanently, but by following proper treatment and a good lifestyle, women can avoid this syndrome to a great extent.
  • Along with doctor-prescribed medicines and treatments, a good diet and exercise are necessary to deal with this disorder.

Is there a cure/medications for diabetic bearded woman syndrome?

There is no set course of medicines for diabetic bearded woman syndrome. There are a few treatment measures that can be done to help with the symptoms the same.

  • The course of treatment is a combination of diet therapy along with insulin with additional diabetic medications to restrict the production of androgen hormone. Women with Achard syndrome are also suggested for hormone replacement therapy.
  • Some women may also be treated with anti-androgen therapy. In terms of cosmetic features, excessive facial hair, and body hair, one can opt for shaving, waxing, or electrolysis.

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