Hyperandrogenism - a disorder in which a woman produces too much male hormones, or androgens. Despite its name, the androgens in the female body perform more than two hundred different functions; Of course, in the male they are present in greater numbers than in women, but women are no less necessary than men. Problems begin only when androgens in a woman becomes too much.

Androgens in women

Production of androgens in the female body engaged in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. Men's hormones stimulate the onset of puberty in women, they determine the growth of hair in the genital area and armpits. In addition, they regulate the functioning of the reproductive system, kidney, liver, and also influence the growth of muscle tissue. Adult women, androgens are necessary for the synthesis of estrogen, the maintenance of normal levels of libido, and also to strengthen the bone.

The at higher levels of androgens

Hyperandrogenism, or excess male hormones, often leads to cosmetic problems such as acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and other body parts) as well as hair loss on the head. Many women with elevated levels of testosterone develop polycystic ovary syndrome; among the consequences of the violations - irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, problems with blood sugar levels. Untreated hyperandrogenism as in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, and without the disease can lead to serious complications such as insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and heart disease.

The result of hyperandrogenism can also be congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic disease that affects about one in 14,000 women), and other disorders associated with the adrenal glands. In some cases, hyperandrogenism results in the formation of tumors in the ovaries and the adrenal glands.

In most cases, hyperandrogenism is caused by hormonal disruptions, the causes of which can not be established. Sometimes it is the result of a violation taking anabolic steroids.

Diagnostics

If you suspect that hyperandrogenism as soon as possible to seek medical help. Often grounds for suspicion of a violation are symptoms such as facial hair growth, loss of scalp hair, acne, poorly treatable; Sometimes patients with these symptoms also have weight. The symptoms can cause girls and women of reproductive age are numerous psychological problems, including - low self-esteem, anxiety, and in severe cases - depression Depression   and anti-social behavior .  Excessively strong sexual desire sometimes also indicates giperadnrogeniyu; a woman with such a problem not often go to the doctor, despite the fact that it can lead to a deterioration of relations with loved ones, and sometimes - to the problems of socio-enokonomicheskogo characterized by the loss of work .  Finally, as mentioned above, hyperandrogenism may be associated with diabetes and heart disease .  However, it is often not possible violation of diagnosis for many years, even if the symptoms are more or less successfully eliminated with the help of various tools .  There are cases when the patient was being treated for acne, but doctors do not ask her how her regular menstrual cycle, and do not check blood sugar .  Therefore, in some cases, patients themselves should ask doctor to order tests on hyperandrogenism .  This must be done for those who have the following signs of excess male hormones:

• Hirsutism;
• Oily skin, acne Rash: Classification - primary and secondary elements   or acne;
• Alopecia (male-pattern baldness)
• Insulin resistance;
• High blood pressure;
• Lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, and high level of HDL-cholesterol;
• The deposits of fat in the abdomen;
• Irregular menses, or amenorrhea over several cycles;
• Enlargement of the clitoris;
• Change voice - as a rule, it becomes deeper and hoarse;
• It is a strong sex drive.

In the process of diagnosing physician should carefully review the patient's medical history, conduct examination and a blood test on male hormones. In addition, the measured level of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. Also, an analysis of the level of blood sugar. If you suspect a polycystic ovary syndrome may be carried ultrasound.

Treatment

Currently, there is no way by which we can be completely cured of hyperandrogenism, but perhaps quite effective symptomatic treatment. Women who are overweight, it is recommended to lose weight. Typically, the weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce the production of androgens (due to reduced number of fat cells) and thereby relieve the symptoms of hirsutism and restore fertility.

Combined oral contraceptives also help relieve some symptoms of hyperandrogenism. If the most severe complication of this disorder in women is acne, it can be assigned to receive special drugs that effectively cleanse the skin. It is important to note that the most potent of these medications are contraindicated for women who want to become pregnant How to Get Pregnant: Recommendations to help Because they can cause malformations in the baby.

From unwanted facial hair can be removed using electrolysis - this procedure is quite expensive, but it stops the growth of hair for a long time or even forever.