Do you remember that quite hairy woman with a bit of beard you saw in your neighbourhood? Yeah! That's the effect of hyperandrogenism.
Hyperandrogenism is one of the most common hormonal disorder affecting women. It is a medical condition characterized by the excess production of the male sex hormone (androgen) in a female's body.
Testosterone is the best-known androgen and it contributes to many of the physical factors that distinguish men from women.
Androgen is produced by the ovaries women too but at a very minute quantity compared to men.
80% of women with hyperandrogenism usually have the polycystic ovary syndrome - a disorder whereby the ovaries produce excess androgen.
Some of the effects of hyperandrogenism in women include:
- Hirsutism: male patterned hair growth appearing on the face, chest, back, pubis and limbs.
- Balding
- Oligomenorrhea: irregular menstrual cycles
- Amenorrhea: cessation of menstrual cycles
- Infertility
- Acne
- Deepening of voice
- Masculine appearance
- Elevated sex drive
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
Treatment: Since androgen is the underlying cause of all these effects, hyperandrogenism is usually treated with antiandrogens to control the level of androgen in the patient's body.
Menopause, Tumors, Heredity, Cushing's syndrome, Hyperinsulinemia and Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can also be responsible for hyperandrogenism.
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