Ovarian overproduction of androgens is a condition in which the female ovaries make too much testosterone. This leads to the development of male characteristics in a woman. Other hormones, called androgens, from other parts of the body can also cause the development of male characteristics in women.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIn healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40 - 50% of the body's testosterone. Both tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause excess androgen production.
Cushing's disease, an abnormality in the pituitary gland, causes excess amounts of corticosteroids, which cause masculine body changes in women. Also, tumors in the adrenal glands can cause overproduction of androgens and lead to male body characteristics in women.
SymptomsHyperandrogenism:
Virilization:
Treatment depends on the problem that is causing the increased androgen production. Medications can be given to decrease hair production in patients who have excess body hair (hirsutism) or to regulate menstrual cycles. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an ovarian or adrenal tumor.
Expectations (prognosis)The success of the treatment depends on what caused the excess androgen production. If the condition is caused by an ovarian tumor, surgical removal of the tumor may correct the problem. Most ovarian tumors are not cancerous (benign), and will not come back after they've been removed.
In polycystic ovary syndrome, the following can reduce symptoms caused by increased androgen levels:
Infertility is a possible complication.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be at increased risk for:
There is no known prevention. Maintaining a normal weight through healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your chances of any long-term complications.
ReferencesLobo RA. Hyperandrogenism: physiology, etiology, differential diagnosis, management. In: Katz V, Lobo RA, Lentz G, Gershenson D, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 40.
Bulun SE, Adashi EY. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 16.
Ovarian overproduction of androgens is a condition in which the female ovaries make too much testosterone. This leads to the development of male characteristics in a woman. Other hormones, called androgens, from other parts of the body can also cause the development of male characteristics in women.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIn healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40 - 50% of the body's testosterone. Both tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause excess androgen production.
Cushing's disease, an abnormality in the pituitary gland, causes excess amounts of corticosteroids, which cause masculine body changes in women. Also, tumors in the adrenal glands can cause overproduction of androgens and lead to male body characteristics in women.
SymptomsHyperandrogenism:
Virilization:
Treatment depends on the problem that is causing the increased androgen production. Medications can be given to decrease hair production in patients who have excess body hair (hirsutism) or to regulate menstrual cycles. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an ovarian or adrenal tumor.
Expectations (prognosis)The success of the treatment depends on what caused the excess androgen production. If the condition is caused by an ovarian tumor, surgical removal of the tumor may correct the problem. Most ovarian tumors are not cancerous (benign), and will not come back after they've been removed.
In polycystic ovary syndrome, the following can reduce symptoms caused by increased androgen levels:
Infertility is a possible complication.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be at increased risk for:
There is no known prevention. Maintaining a normal weight through healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your chances of any long-term complications.
ReferencesLobo RA. Hyperandrogenism: physiology, etiology, differential diagnosis, management. In: Katz V, Lobo RA, Lentz G, Gershenson D, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 40.
Bulun SE, Adashi EY. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 16.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/07/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Androgen action, Ductal hypercornification, colonization & inflammation
Androgens and estrogens are hormones. Examples of androgens are testosterone, dihydroxytestosterone, and examples of estrogens include estradiol.
Androgens-- Male sex hormones that are linked with the development of acne. Antiandrogens-- Drugs that inhibit the production of androgens.
he didn't necessarily have a response to overproduction. overproduction was just one of the many causes of the depression itself.
Overproduction can cause competition for food, water, and shelter.
The reason for the lack of money at the company is overproduction.
Ovary
testes
interstitial cells
Androgens .
In men, luteinizing hormone stimulates the production of male sex hormones called androgens by the inerstitial cells of the testes. Testosterone is the most important androgen. Source: Human Anatomy. Sixth Edition.
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