Learn About Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens
Ovarian overproduction of androgens is a condition in which the ovaries make too much testosterone. This leads to the development of male characteristics in a woman. Androgens from other parts of the body can also cause male characteristics to develop in women.
In healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40% to 50% of the body's testosterone. Tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can both cause too much androgen production.
Cushing disease is a problem with the pituitary gland that leads to excess amounts of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may cause masculine body changes in women. Tumors in the adrenal glands can also cause too much production of androgens and can lead to male body characteristics in women.
High levels of androgens in a female can cause:
- Acne
- Changes in female body shape
- Decrease in breast size
- Increase in body hair in a male pattern, such as on the face, chin, and abdomen (called hirsutism)
- Lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Oily skin
These changes may also occur:
- Increase in the size of the clitoris
- Deepening of the voice
- Increase in muscle mass
- Thinning hair and hair loss at the front of the scalp on both sides of the head
Treatment depends on the problem that is causing the increased androgen production. Medicines can be given to decrease hair production in women with excess body hair, or to regulate menstrual cycles. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove an ovarian or adrenal tumor.
Central Medical Associates PLLC
Syed Quadri is an Internal Medicine provider in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Dr. Quadri and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. His top areas of expertise are Cirrhosis, Lung Metastases, Urinary Tract Infection in Children, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Quadri is currently accepting new patients.
Henry Bohler is an Endocrinologist in Bardstown, Kentucky. Dr. Bohler and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. His top areas of expertise are Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
Stephen Winters is an Endocrinologist in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Winters and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. His top areas of expertise are Testicular Failure, Hypogonadism, Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism, and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Dr. Winters is currently accepting new patients.
Treatment success depends on the cause of excess androgen production. If the condition is caused by an ovarian tumor, surgery to remove the tumor may correct the problem. Most ovarian tumors are not cancerous (benign) and will not come back after they have been removed.
In polycystic ovary syndrome, the following measures can reduce symptoms caused by high androgen levels:
- Careful monitoring
- Weight loss
- Dietary changes
- Medicines
- Regular vigorous exercise
Infertility and complications during pregnancy may occur.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be at increased risk for:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Uterine cancer
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome can reduce their chances of long-term complications by maintaining a normal weight through healthy diet and regular exercise.
Summary: This study will evaluate and gather information in patients with genetic causes of too much androgen (male-like hormone) in order to better understand the effects of too much androgen and describe problems associated with it. Too much androgen in childhood, if untreated, results in rapid growth and early puberty with early cessation of growth and short stature in adulthood. Too much androgen in ad...
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 10% of all women and usually presents with irregular menstrual periods and difficulties conceiving. However, PCOS is also a lifelong metabolic disorder and affected women have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Increased blood levels of male hormones, also termed androgens, are found in most PCOS patients. Androgen...
Published Date: April 16, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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