hyperandrogenism in females
Last reviewed 01/2018
Excessive androgen secretion in a woman may cause acne, anovulation or hirsuitism. Sources include the ovaries, adrenals and peripheral tissues, including the skin.
There are different blood markers for each of these:
- ovaries - testosterone; about two thirds of circulating testosterone in the female
- adrenals - dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate - DHEA-S, about 90% is product of the adrenals
- peripheral compartment - 3 alpha-Androstanediol glucorinide