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.
Testosterone
A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. The test described...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
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.
Symptoms
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
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Any blood and imaging tests ordered will depend on your symptoms, but may include:
- 17-hydroxyprogesterone test
- ACTH stimulation test (unusual)
- Cholesterol blood tests
-
CT scan
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
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DHEA blood test
DHEA blood test
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. It can be converted to other hormones...
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- Insulin test
-
Pelvic ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound
A pelvic (transabdominal) ultrasound is an imaging test. It is used to examine organs in the pelvis.
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Prolactin test (if periods come less often or not at all)
Prolactin test
Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Testosterone test (both free and total testosterone)
-
TSH test (if there is hair loss)
TSH test
A TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It prompts the thyroid g...
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Treatment
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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
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
Possible Complications
Infertility and complications during pregnancy may occur.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be at increased risk for:
-
Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
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High blood pressure
High blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body. Hypertension is the ...
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High cholesterol
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...
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Obesity
Obesity
Obesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...
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Prevention
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.
Reviewed 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.
Bulun SE. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17.
Chen ZJ, Legro RS, Ehrmann DA, Wei D. Androgen excess disorders in women. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 124.
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.
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