Hyperandrogenism means an excess of androgens, i.e. male sex hormones. The symptoms of hyperandrogenism may appear not only in men, but also in women, as they also produce androgens, but only in smaller amounts. What are the causes and symptoms of hyperandrogenism? What is the treatment?
Hyperandrogenismmeansexcessivesecretion ofandrogensin the body. Androgens are male sex hormones (including testosterone), but they are found not only in men but also in women, albeit in smaller amounts. In men, androgens are secreted by the testes and cortex of the adrenal glands, and in women - by the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Androgens are primarily responsible for the development and function of the male reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. male body type, facial hair). The appearance of the skin also depends on them - when their concentration in the blood is high enough, it is smooth and he althy. Androgens also affect the sex drive, promote the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, have a positive effect on the body's calcium metabolism. They add energy and strength to act and ensure well-being.
Hyperandrogenism - causes
High levels ofandrogens (usuallytestosterone ) are the result of overproduction in the testes, adrenal glands, or ovaries. The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in men is congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In turn, in women - diseases of the ovaries, especially polycystic ovary syndrome.In women, an excess of androgensin the body may also be the result of menopause.
Drugs with androgenic activity may also be responsible for the excess of androgens in the body, e.g. anabolic steroids, blood pressure lowering drugs, anticonvulsants, streptomycin. In addition, hyperandrgenism may be the result of the excessive secretion of androgens by hormonally active tumors or the intake of androgens in order to develop muscle tissue and improve the figure.
Hyperandrogenism in men - symptoms
Excess androgens can occur in both men and women. In menthe symptoms of hyperandrogenismare: male pattern baldness (androgenic) and excessive development of secondary male sexual characteristics, that is:
- hair growth
- lowering the timbre of the voice
- muscle development
In some people, the increase in androgen levels occurs only in certain organs, such as the skin or hair follicles, and their concentration in the blood is normal. It is thought to be the result of a large number of receptors in peripheral tissues and the excessive sensitivity of tissues to androgens.
Hyperandrogenism in women - symptoms
Hyperandrogenism in women leads to the appearance of male sexual characteristics:
- hirsutism, i.e. the presence of hair in places where it is not normally present in women
- acne
- seborrheic dermatitis
In both men and women, hyperandrogenism may be responsible for infertility.
- low rise
- male pattern baldness
- lowering the tone of the voice
- clitoral hypertrophy
- menstrual disorders
- no ovulation
- libido disorders
In addition, metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolaemia (elevated blood cholesterol) and hypertension occur in women with hyperandrogenism more often than in he althy women.
Hyperandrogenism - diagnosis
If hyperandrgenism is suspected, the level of the male hormone testosterone (TTE) should be determined. Its excessive concentration is an indication for further research. The determination of adrenal hormones (DHEA-S, 17-OHP) is performed to confirm or rule out adrenal disorders. In women, gynecological and ultrasound examinations are additionally performed to determine ovarian disorders.
Hyperandrogenism - treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the excess androgens in the body. For example, if the cause is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, drugs from the group of glucocorticoids are given. On the other hand, in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women, hormonal treatment (estrogens, sometimes combined with anti-androgenic drugs) is used.
One of the most troublesome symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women is hirsutism, i.e. hirsutism. In this case, you can use various treatments that will help you get rid of unnecessary hair.