TLDR High androgen levels can cause excessive hair growth and may indicate serious health issues, including heart disease and fertility problems.
The document from September 2004 discusses hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth, which is often caused by increased androgenic activity. Although hirsutism is typically a cosmetic concern, it can also be an early indicator of more serious conditions, such as androgen-producing tumors. The document notes that high androgen levels may lead to virilization, which includes symptoms like male pattern hair loss, clitoromegaly, a deeper voice, and increased muscle mass. Additionally, the document mentions that elevated androgens can be linked to lipoprotein abnormalities and are often found alongside other cardiovascular disease risk factors. It also highlights that hyperandrogenism is commonly associated with ovulatory issues, which can result in infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, endometrial hyperplasia, and potentially endometrial cancer.
23 citations,
March 1994 in “Fertility and sterility” Most patients improved with oral contraceptives, but some needed additional treatment.
165 citations,
February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility” Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.
187 citations,
January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
25 citations,
August 1989 in “Seminars in reproductive medicine” Birth control pills are effective for treating women with too much male hormone.
44 citations,
June 1985 in “Fertility and sterility” Combination drug therapy is effective for hirsutism that doesn't improve with just one medication.
183 citations,
March 1982 in “JAMA” Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.
2 citations,
July 2012 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” A 12-year-old girl with very high testosterone and insulin resistance improved with birth control pills, suggesting PCOS can cause high testosterone without tumors.
70 citations,
February 2012 in “Human Reproduction” Many young women who donate blood have hormonal disorders like excess male hormones and PCOS.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
