Hyperandrogenism and Insulin Resistance

The association between hyperandrogenismand insulin resistancein women has been known since 1921 [1]. This so-called Archard-Thiers syndrome has also been referred to as “diabetes of bearded women”. Although these original findings were repeatedly observed [2–5], the cause and effect relationship between hyperandrogenismand hyperinsulinemiahas not been clearly delineated. The current literature on the pathophysiology of hyperandrogenism- insulin resistanceand the clinical implications of this association are reviewed below.