$Unique_ID{BRK03411}
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$Title{Achard-Thiers Syndrome}
$Subject{Achard-Thiers Syndrome Diabetic Bearded Woman Syndrome Virilism of
Older Women}
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Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

107:
Achard-Thiers Syndrome

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Achard-Thiers
Syndrome) is not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYM listing to
find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Diabetic Bearded Woman Syndrome
     Virilism of Older Women

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section.


In Achard-Thiers syndrome, diabetes is associated with virilization in
post-menopausal women.  The adrenal gland's overproduction of androgens
("male" hormones) and other adrenocortical hormones causes the syndrome.
Untreated, the disorder may occasionally lead to hypertension and/or coronary
artery disease.

Symptoms

The features of diabetes that occur in Achard-Thiers syndrome include a low
tolerance for carbohydrates and urinary excretion of glucose.  Early symptoms
include frequent urination, thirst, hunger, and weight loss.  Diabetes
affects many organ systems and processes, and can be a very serious
condition.

The androgens produced by the adrenal cortex cause increased growth of
body hair, particularly on the face, chest, back, and other areas normally
only hairy in men, deepening of the voice, acne, enlargement of the clitoris,
reduction in breast size.  Women with Achard-Thiers syndrome are often heavy
in the face and trunk, with slender limbs.  Some women develop high blood
pressure.

Pathologic changes of internal organs include enlargement of the adrenal
glands, atrophy of the ovaries, and changes in the pancreas, the source of
insulin.

Causes

Achard-Thiers syndrome results from enlargement or excess activity of the
cortex of the adrenal gland.  Often this is due to a tumor of the adrenal
gland.  The diabetes results from resistance to insulin, an essential hormone
in glucose metabolism.

Affected Population

Achard-Thiers Syndrome affects post-menopausal women.

Related Disorders

Acquired adrenogenital syndrome.

Therapies:  Standard

Treatment of Achard-Thiers Syndrome includes removal of parts of the adrenal
gland, especially if a tumor is present.  Diabetes should be treated with
diet and/or insulin as required.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1987.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Achard-Thiers Syndrome, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, Inc.
     505 Northern Blvd., Suite 200
     Great Neck, NY  11021
     (516) 487-4992

     NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-5133

     American Diabetes Association
     National Service Center
     1660 Duke St.
     Alexandria, VA  22314
     (703) 549-1000
     (800) ADA-DISC (800) 232-3472