Signs of hyperandrogenism

• Menstrual irregularities

Women in the body is significantly elevated levels of male sex hormones, can be observed various violations of the menstrual cycle - in most cases the periods become less frequent, and sometimes they are absent for several months in a row.

It should be noted that the normal menstrual cycle is not necessarily an indication that the level of androgens in the body is not increased. If you are menstruating, as usual, but there are other symptoms characteristic of hyperandrogenism, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

• Excess hair growth on the body

Excess body hair growth or hirsutism - one of the most common effects of hyperandrogenism. Women who have normal growing and a lot of unwanted hair, elevated levels of male sex hormones say that hair is thicker and darker. Often dark and coarse hair appeared on the skin areas where previously there was only invisible scalp - for example, on the face, back, hips. In most cases, patients were recommended to use various means to eliminate the symptoms of hirsutism (ie, those or other methods of removing unwanted hair), but sometimes assigned the administration of drugs that suppress the activity of androgens.

• Other signs of hyperandrogenism

Often signs of elevated levels of male sex hormones in women are acne and oily skin Oily skin: Natural and artificial care . Androgens stimulate the sebaceous gland, resulting in acne Acne: facial trouble . However, in many cases, the development of acne is not related to hyperandrogenism.

Androgenetic alopecia - another extremely unpleasant disorder associated with an excess of male hormones. This disorder is characterized by loss of hair at the back and on the front line of hair growth (ie, it is male-pattern baldness).

Acanthosis - a condition in which the skin formed areas of hyperpigmentation. They usually appear at the base of the neck, in the armpits, on the elbow and groin.

Some women when hyperandrogenism is a change of voice (becomes lower) and hypertrophy, or enlargement of the clitoris. In other words, women have typical male characteristics, which may reflect on their psychological state.

Causes of hyperandrogenism

The majority of patients suffering from hyperandrogenism can not identify any underlying disease that led to the development of this disorder.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Approximately 80-90% of women with elevated levels of androgens diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS - is one of the most common gynecological diseases, affecting women of reproductive age. Currently, the violation exists, it is estimated that 5-7% of women, and the number of cases continues to increase. Approximately 70% of patients with PCOS was found a slight increase in the level of testosterone in the blood, and in 20-30% of patients showed a small increase in DHEAS.

• Gipertekoz ovaries

Gipertekoz ovarian - related disorder polycystic ovary syndrome, which is often seen in women during menopause. This disease occurs in about 1% of women of reproductive age with hyperandrogenism, and the majority of postmenopausal patients who have been diagnosed with this disorder. As a rule, gipertekoz ovaries causes a much more severe form of hyperandrogenism, with a very pronounced signs androgenization. Testosterone levels in this disorder are significantly higher than in PCOS and reaches 200 ng / dL (nanograms per deciliter).

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Approximately 2% of patients with hyperandrogenism revealed congenital adrenal hyperplasia. So is a group of disorders that are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and are due to mutations in genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes. When adrenal hyperplasia is a violation of cortisol.

• Cushing's syndrome

This is a relatively rare cause of hyperandrogenism. Cushing's syndrome (or Cushing's syndrome), mainly the result of increased levels of cortisol or exogenous glucocorticoids. It may be accompanied by a number of typical symptoms, such as a rapid increase in subcutaneous fat in the middle part of the body, and stretch marks on the abdomen. In addition, in patients with Cushing's syndrome often observed various signs of hyperandrogenism - hirsutism, acne and baldness.

Currently one of the most common causes of Cushing's syndrome is a glucocorticoid therapy, but increase the level of male sex hormones in the body, is usually not observed.

• Androgensekretiruyuschie tumor

Androgensekretiruyuschie ovarian tumors and adrenal glands are rare causes of hyperandrogenism, moreover, they are often confused with PCOS. Women with these tumors hyperandrogenism symptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly.

Because ovarian tumors Ovarian cysts and tumors: diagnosis and treatment   the most common cause of hyperandrogenism is a tumor Sertoli-Leydig cell. In this kind of tumor accounts for about 0.5% of all ovarian neoplasms. However, any tumor of the ovary could potentially lead to hyperandrogenism.

Androgensekretiruyuschie adrenal tumors are much rarer than similar ovarian tumors. Patients with such tumors, along with the typical signs of hyperandrogenism frequently observed symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.

• Hyperprolactinemia

Elevated prolactin levels detected in 6% of women with hirsutism in the background hyperandrogenism. It is not clear how hyperprolactinemia Hyperprolactinemia: determine the cause   It is associated with increased levels of male sex hormones. Some experts suggest that prolactin may directly stimulate the adrenal cortex.

• Gestation

Testosterone levels during normal pregnancy increases, and its end reaches the level of 600-800 ng / dL. This increase in binding globulin sex hormone and placental aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens protect both the mother and her unborn child. Aromatase deficiency can lead to hyperandrogenism and the appearance of the relevant signs in the mother and child.

• Exogenous androgens

Receiving androgens or substances whose properties are similar to those of androgens may lead to hirsutism, acne, and other characteristics of hyperandrogenism. This risk is, for example, anabolic steroids, which are often accepted as professional athletes, and women who are engaged in unprofessional certain sports.

Symptoms of ovarian dysfunction

Typically, the duration of menses ranges from three days to one week. In the critical days interval is 21-35 days. Every time during the month lost 100 ml of blood. Violation of at least one of these parameters is the development of ovarian dysfunction - dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

The woman's body has hormones that are responsible for the hormonal ovarian function. Yields of the pituitary gland, the main endocrine glands in the body. When the formation and secretion of hormones is disrupted, there is a failure of the menstrual cycle, namely the lack of ovulation Ovulation - How to determine as accurately as possible?   - Selection of mature eggs. Without ovulation, menstrual cycle becomes defective, and as a consequence, irregular.

• There are spotting in between the critical days, while they themselves are too weak month.
• Before menstruation, and in the middle of the cycle may appear strongest dragging pain in the abdomen. Sometimes they give in the hip or lumbar region.
• There is an increase in body temperature.
• The ovaries may form pus.
• Changing the mood of women. She moves very sharply with menstruation mood swings Mood swings in women - bad character or a disease? , Pronounced apathy, weakness.
• The complexion becomes pale, heartbeat quickens, there is dizziness, decreased appetite.
• At advanced stages of the disease may stop menstruating.

Causes of ovarian dysfunction

The most common cause of dysfunction are endocrine disorders or thyroid disease. Inflammation of the ovaries, too, is not rare. This happens because otstutsvie proper hygiene, especially in the intimate life. The ovaries may suffer from diseases of the fallopian tubes due to infection of intestinal infection that enters the blood vessels in the ovaries. Suffer, if they are sick the rest of the sex organs: the uterus and appendages. Does the presence of dysfunction of tumor, fibroids, endometriosis. Violated "harmony" in the ovaries when a woman is ill with diabetes or obesity. The use of certain drugs is also not rare glitches. It weakens the ovaries effects of stress, poor lifestyle, frequent depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood . If a woman moves from one area to another climate climate dysfunction can also make itself felt. The cause of ovarian dysfunction is an abortion that was done incorrectly or the first abortion in a woman's life.

Diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction

To find the cause of ovarian dysfunction should go not to the simple gynecologist, and a gynecologist - endocrinologist. He will propose to make US genitals, thyroid and adrenal glands. You will need to be tested for the presence of infections such as candidiasis, chlamydia and others. To do this, take the patient swab. To check the status of hormonal surrender other tests: blood and urine tests. The pituitary gland is also subjected to examination by X-ray and tomography of the skull. Required to identify the causes of dysfunctions electroencephalography. In addition, from the neck of the uterus and scraping is Scraping - heavy and unsafe procedure Which shows the state of the inside of the uterus.

Treatment of ovarian dysfunction

The physician must restore hormonal disorders, to cure the infection and other related diseases. If necessary, the expert urges man to change a way of life, for example, is not emotionally respond to emerging challenges. Did the patient will be discharged nutritional supplements and vitamins. Sometimes appointed acupuncture, therapeutic massage. As a result, the treatment of menstrual cycle recovers.