Androgens - a group of sex hormones, produced both in the male and in the female body. But they are considered masculine, because under their influence there is a formation of secondary sexual characteristics according to the male type. In the female body, 80% of the androgens are in a coherent, inactive state. But one of the fairly common diseases of the endocrine system - hyperandrogenism - is an excess of androgens in women. It causes a lot of disorders in the state of health and is caused by different reasons.
Often, the analysis of androgens in women does not reveal an increase in their level in the blood, and the disease is caused in this case by a violation of the binding of hormones with a special protein and the inability of androgen decay and their withdrawal from the body. This is most often due to genetic diseases and impaired production of certain enzymes.
Symptoms of an excess of androgens in women
Signs of hyperandrogenism in women:
- hirsutism, or hair growth in the male type - stimulation of androgenic hair follicles leads to the growth of hard dark hair on the face, abdomen or chest;
- acne, seborrhea and other skin problems are caused by excessive activity of the sebaceous glands under the influence of male sex hormones;
- hair loss and alopecia are necessary forehead;
- decrease in voice timbre;
- cosmetic defects caused by an increased level of androgens in women often cause psychological disorders, self-isolation and depression;
- gynecological disorders, for example, polycystic ovaries, amenorrhea, infertility and endometrial hyperplasia ;
- the violation of the hormonal balance causes endocrine problems and can lead to the appearance of diabetes, obesity and lipid metabolism.
Treatment of hyperandrogenism
To know how to lower the androgens in a woman, the doctor should fully examine it and identify the cause of this condition. After all, it can be caused by a violation of the functions of the liver, vitamin deficiency or the administration of certain drugs,
But in recent years, scientists have found that it is dangerous not only to increase, but also the lack of androgens in women. This condition can cause cardiovascular diseases, the development of osteoporosis and a decrease in the level of hemoglobin. Therefore, it is best when the hormones in the blood are normal.