Androgen Excess: A Hallmark of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

December 2023 in “ Frontiers in endocrinology ”

Kexin Wang, Yanhua Li, Yu Chen

androgen excess polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism androgen synthesis androgen conversion androgen metabolism adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen androgen receptor signaling high androgen levels androgen production androgen processing androgen breakdown adrenal androgens androgen signaling

TLDR Excess androgens may cause PCOS, not just be a symptom.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-20% of reproductive women globally and is characterized by metabolic, reproductive, and psychological issues. Despite its prevalence, there is no cure, and treatments only manage symptoms due to limited understanding of its causes. This review highlights that hyperandrogenism may be a causative factor in PCOS, not just a symptom. It explores the mechanisms of androgen synthesis, conversion, and metabolism, emphasizing the role of adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen. The review also discusses how androgen receptor signaling contributes to PCOS traits and suggests therapeutic strategies targeting hyperandrogenism.

View this study on frontiersin.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Do Pleiotropic Effects of Spironolactone in Women With PCOS Make It More Than an Anti-Androgen? Evidence From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

March 2023 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design”

Spironolactone is effective for idiopathic hirsutism but has limited effects on other PCOS symptoms.

research Oral Contraceptive Pill Treatment Alters Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women

2 citations, February 2023 in “BMC women's health”

Birth control pills change the activity of certain inflammation and blood clotting genes in women with PCOS.

research Approach to Investigation of Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman

November 2022 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, a condition with symptoms like increased hair growth and acne, is usually caused by PCOS but can also be due to other factors. It's diagnosed by checking testosterone levels and treated either by removing the adrenal tumor or through antiandrogen therapy.

research Basics of Androgen Synthesis and Action

35 citations, May 2022 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Androgens like testosterone are important hormones for both men and women, made differently in each sex and affecting the body by regulating genes and quick interactions with cell components.

research 11-Oxyandrogens in Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

9 citations, March 2022 in “Journal of the Endocrine Society”

Girls with PCOS have higher levels of certain androgens, which are linked to excess hair growth, but these androgens don't help diagnose PCOS.

research Androgens and Ovarian Function: Translation from Basic Discovery Research to Clinical Impact

55 citations, May 2019 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

Androgens are important for female fertility and could help in IVF treatment, but also play a role in causing PCOS.

research 5α-Reductase Activity in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

20 citations, March 2017 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

Women with PCOS have higher 5α-reductase activity, which may be linked to insulin resistance.

research Polymorphism of CAG and GGN Repeats of Androgen Receptor Gene in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

9 citations, September 2015 in “Reproductive Biomedicine Online”

Longer GGN repeats in the androgen receptor gene are linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community How does hair loss and recovery work?

in Chat 12 upvotes 3 months ago

Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

community Is it possible for androgenic alopecia to begin at early adolescent years?

in Chat 70 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss can begin in early adolescence and cause mental anguish. Treatments mentioned include eating cruciferous vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining scalp hygiene.

community Why balding gets worse in every generation?

in Chat 81 upvotes 6 months ago

Balding seems to worsen with each generation, possibly due to stress, diet, and environmental factors. The user started treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community One+ year 1mg Fin, Ketoconazole, and 3.75 Oral Min. I have DUPA. Switched from Topical to Oral Min.

in Progress Pictures 142 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's experience with hair loss treatments such as finasteride, ketoconazole, and oral minoxidil that have not yielded any results; other users suggest shaving the head or getting a wig, while others offer additional advice such as seeing a dermatologist, checking thyroid levels, switching to dutasteride and adding needling, and trying stemoxydine.

community Methionine? Glycine?

6 upvotes 8 years ago

The conversation discusses the potential benefits and risks of using Methionine and Glycine for hair loss, with concerns about cancer risk if not balanced properly. The user seeks opinions on these amino acids for hair health and overall benefits.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations, November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations, January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations, December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.