Ovarian Overproduction of AndrogensSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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.
Ovarian overproduction of male hormones
In healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40% to 50% of their body's testosterone. Tumors of the ovaries and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, previously called polycystic ovary syndrome or 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
The 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.
Lourdes Ibanez practices practicing medicine in Madrid, Spain. Ms. Ibanez is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. She is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Ovarian Cysts, and Obesity.
Endocrine Oncology Clinic
Richard Auchus is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Auchus is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Intersex, Cushing's syndrome, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Orchiectomy. Dr. Auchus is board certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. Dr. Auchus is currently accepting new patients.
Wiebke Arlt practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Arlt is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens. They are also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens, Addison's Disease, Intersex, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Orchiectomy.
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 women with PMOS, 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 PMOS may be at increased risk for:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Uterine cancer
Women who have PMOS 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: BACKGROUND Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is very prevalent in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The pathogenic mechanisms of this association remain unclear. HYPOTHESIS Individual factors expose or protect women with T1D to/from the development of androgen excess and PCOS. Such androgen excess in women with T1D may increase their cardiometabol...
Published Date: May 29, 2026
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. 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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Lobo RA. Androgen excess in women. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 38.