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.
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.
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Dr. Richard Auchus is a professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes (MEND) and Chief of the Endocrinology & Metabolism Section at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. He received his medical degree and Ph.D. in pharmacology from Washington University in St. Louis. Then Dr. Auchus completed a residency at the University of Iowa and an endocrinology fellowship at UTHSC-San Antonio/Wilford Hall Medical Center. Dr. Auchus came to UMHS from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, where he was a Professor of Internal Medicine - Endocrinology.Dr. Auchus is a steroid biologist with expertise both in basic science and clinical/translational science. His work has included translational research into: molecular and genetic mechanisms of human hypertension, improved diagnostic studies and management in primary aldosteronism and Cushing syndromes, modifier genes in 21-hydroxylase deficiency, cardiovascular disease in polycystic ovary syndrome, and the endocrinology of traumatic brain injury. 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.
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, Ovarian Cysts, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Obesity.
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 31 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Ovarian Overproduction of Androgens, Addison's Disease, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), 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 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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Huddleston HG, Quinn MM, Gibson M. Polycystic ovary syndrome and hirsutism. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 2-volume set. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 589.
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.