High androgen levels cause distinct symptoms in females.
However, hyperandrogenism can be triggered by other conditions.
Treatment is essential to prevent health complications.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Womens ovaries and adrenal glands produce five androgens.
However, testosterone anddihydrotestosterone(DHT) are the active forms.
These hormones also regulate fat cell activities.
To support optimal health, your body maintains specific hormone levels.
Problems develop when the levels are too low or high.
High androgens cause the following five symptoms:
1.
Your periods may stop (amenorrhea).
Changes in menstrual periods commonly occur in women with hyperandrogenism andpolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).
The medical term for this hair growth ishirsutism.
Hirsutism affects about 4% to 11% of females in the general population.
Some individuals remove the hair growth and may not realize it could be a symptom of a medical condition.
Consult with your healthcare provider if you have excessive hair growth,
3.
Male-Pattern Balding
Many women experiencehair lossas they get older.
However, female-pattern hair loss usually causes hair thinning over the entire scalp.
Having some sebum protects and hydrates your skin.
However, the oiliness from too much sebum can block pores, leading to acne.
Virilization
Virilization triggers when females develop traits associated with males.
Excess production of testosterone can drive these changes in females.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
At the same time, high androgens can cause PCOS.
In fact, PCOS is the most common condition resulting from hyperandrogenism.
As a result, PCOS is one of the top causes of infertility.
You may be able to offset the effect of hyperandrogenism by following a healthy diet.
People who follow aMediterranean dietorDASH diettend to have lower androgen levels.
Weight Gain
There’s no doubt that high androgens and PCOS are associated with weight gain.
An estimated 38% to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.
Both conditions increase insulin and can lead to insulin resistance (which makes you gain weight).
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will give you a complete physical exam and may perform a pelvic ultrasound.
They will also run blood tests to diagnose hyperandrogenism and rule out other health conditions.
Combinedestrogen-progesterone birth controlmay be tried first to treat PCOS symptoms.
Antiandrogen Drugs
Another possible treatment is antiandrogen medication, which reduces the effects of excess androgens.
Your healthcare provider may start antiandrogen treatment after you’re on birth control pills for six months.
This medication may improve menstrual patterns, hirsutism, and body fat distribution in people with PCOS.
Metformin is considered safe to take if youre trying to get pregnant.
It may also aid in ovulation and reduce miscarriage rates in people with PCOS.
Hair Removal
Hirsutism is treated by removing the unwanted hair.Electrolysis and laser hair removal work well.
While they’re expensive and often require multiple sessions, they also produce long-lasting or permanent results.
You may want to see adermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating skin, hair, and nails.
They may prescribe treatments that are more effective than over-the-counter options.
The longer you have hyperandrogenism, the higher the risk of complications.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular check-ups if have PCOS.
Summary
Hyperandrogenism happens when androgen levels are higher than they should be.
Excess androgens can have several causes, the most common being PCOS.
Visible signs of hyperandrogenism and/or blood work that shows high levels of androgens can confirm a PCOS diagnosis.
Without treatment, high androgens and PCOS may lead to serious health complications like infertility and heart disease.
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