What is hyperandrogenism?
Hyperandrogenism is the abnormal presence of the male sex hormones testosterone, androsterone and androstenedione in females, and the effect that they produce on the female body.
What are the symptoms of hyperandrogenism?
Excessive production of testosterone within the female organism can lead to the following masculine features:
• Greasy skin (seborrhoea)
• Acne
• Thick facial hair growth (hirsutism) – on the beard and moustache area particularly, limbs, underarm and pubic area
• Deepening voice
• Masculine hair loss
• Abnormal menstruation
• More muscular build and diminished breast size
• Infertility
• Obesity
What are the causes of hyperandrogenism?
The primary causes of the disorder are:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Adrenal gland malfunction
- Pituitary gland diseases – Cushing syndrome or Acromegaly
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Specific medications – including anabolic steroids
How is hyperandrogenism diagnosed?
To see if a woman has hyperandrogenism, blood tests are done to test various hormones. This involves testing the thyroid function and searching for the follicle stimulating hormone, the sex hormone binding globulin and for testosterone, among others. There could also be a pelvic ultrasound scan to test for ovarian cysts.
Can hyperandrogenism be prevented?
There is no sure method to avoid hyperandrogenism but a healthy lifestyle in terms of food and exercise should be followed. It is also advisable to keep a normal weight and to ensure that glucose, lipid levels and blood pressure are within normal ranges to avoid any future complications.
What is the treatment of hyperandrogenism?
Hyperandrogenism is treated by administering hormone therapy. Treatment for the patients that experience acne involves creams applied topically, oral antibiotics like tetracycline, antiandrogens (hormone therapy, such as birth control pill) and oral isotretinoin. The patients with the condition can also modify their dietary habits in an attempt to shed excess weight.