Achard–Thiers syndrome

Achard–Thiers syndrome (also known as diabetic-bearded woman syndrome) is a rare disorder mainly occurring in postmenopausal women. It is characterized by type II diabetes mellitus and signs related to the overproduction of androgens.

Achard–Thiers syndrome
Other names	Diabetic Bearded Woman Syndrome
Specialty	Endocrinology
Symptoms	Diabetes mellitus, deep voice, hirsutism, clitoral hypertrophy, adrenal cortical hyperplasia or adenoma amenorrhoea, hypertension and osteoporosis.
Usual onset	Post menopausal.
Diagnostic method	Clinical findings.
Differential diagnosis	Acquired adrenogenital syndrome, empty sella syndrome, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Named after	Emile Achard Joseph Thiers

The disease is named for Emile Achard and Joseph Thiers.

Presentation

Achard–Thiers syndrome affects mostly postmenopausal women and comprises diabetes mellitus, deep voice, hirsutism, clitoral hypertrophy and adrenal cortical hyperplasia or adenoma. Patients often also have amenorrhoea, hypertension and osteoporosis.

Diagnosis

Based on the clinical findings, an Achard-Thiers syndrome diagnosis should be considered. A two-hour oral glucose tolerance test reveals abnormally elevated blood glucose levels in affected women because they are hyperinsulinemic.

Treatment

Diabetes can be controlled with food, insulin, and other medications as needed. To make hair removal easier, cosmetic procedures like electrolysis and waxing can be employed. Oral contraceptive therapy is the most common treatment for younger women with PCOS, while hormone replacement therapy is typically advised for postmenopausal women with Achard-Thiers syndrome. There has also been use of antiandrogens.

Further reading

• B.G. Firkin & J.A.Whitworth (1987). Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. Parthenon Publishing. ISBN 1-85070-333-7

External links

• Who Named It?