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Androgen Excess Syndromes

Spectrum of conditions producing hyperandrogenism in women, ranging from PCOS to androgen-secreting tumours.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department. Book Appointment →

What is Androgen Excess Syndromes?

Androgen excess syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders in which elevated androgen action causes hirsutism, acne, alopecia and menstrual dysfunction in women.

Most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome; other causes include non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing syndrome, androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumours, hyperprolactinaemia and exogenous androgens.

Diagnostic evaluation must distinguish these aetiologies because management, prognosis and fertility implications differ substantially.

Symptoms

Hirsutism (terminal hair on chin, upper lip, chest, back)
Persistent severe acne and seborrhoea
Androgenic alopecia (frontal-vertex thinning)
Oligo-amenorrhoea or anovulatory cycles
Infertility and pregnancy complications
Virilisation features (clitoromegaly, deep voice, muscle bulk) suggest tumour

Risk Factors

Family history of PCOS or hirsutism
Obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Mediterranean and South Asian ethnic background (PCOS)
Heterozygous CYP21A2 mutations (non-classical CAH)
Sudden onset hirsutism with virilisation suggests tumour
Anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Rapidly progressive hirsutism over a few months (rule out tumour)
  • Severe acne unresponsive to standard therapy
  • Menstrual irregularity longer than three months without explanation
  • Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Signs of virilisation (deep voice, clitoromegaly)

Treatment Methods

01
Total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA-S, 17-OH progesterone, prolactin, TSH
02
Pelvic ultrasound and adrenal imaging if biochemical clues to tumour
03
Lifestyle modification, weight loss, low glycaemic index diet
04
Combined oral contraceptives and antiandrogens (spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide)
05
Glucocorticoid therapy for non-classical CAH; adrenal/ovarian tumour resection if indicated
06
Cosmetic and laser hair removal as adjunctive therapy; fertility planning with reproductive endocrinologist

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.