Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by high levels of androgens. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism may include acne, seborrhea, hair loss on the scalp, increased body or facial hair, and infrequent or absent menstruation. Complications may include high blood cholesterol and diabetes. It occurs in approximately 5% of women of reproductive age.
| Hyperandrogenism | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Androgen excess |
| High levels of testosterone cause hyperandrogenism | |
| Pronunciation |
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| Specialty | Endocrinology |
| Symptoms | Acne, hair loss on scalp, increased body or facial hair, hypertension, infrequent or absent menstruation |
| Causes | Polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's disease, cancer |
| Diagnostic method | Blood tests, ultrasound |
| Treatment | Birth control pills, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, antiandrogen |
| Frequency | 5% in reproductive age women |
Polycystic ovary syndrome accounts for about 70% of hyperandrogenism cases. Other causes include adrenal hyperplasia, insulin resistance, hyperprolactinemia, Cushing's disease, certain types of cancers, and certain medications. Diagnosis often involves blood tests for testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and prolactin, as well as a pelvic ultrasound.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism can be treated with birth control pills or antiandrogens, such as cyproterone acetate or spironolactone. Other measures may include hair removal techniques.
The earliest known description of the condition is attributed to Hippocrates.
In 2011, the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics) and IOC (International Olympic Committee) released statements restricting the eligibility of female athletes with high testosterone, whether through hyperandrogenism or as a result of a difference in sex development (DSD). These regulations were referred to by both bodies as hyperandrogenism regulations and have led to athletes with DSDs being described as having hyperandrogenism. They were revised in 2019 to focus more specifically on DSDs.