One of the most common causes of infertility is hyperandrogenism in women - the pathology of the endocrine system. This diagnosis is diagnosed in more than 20% of women.
Hyperandrogenism in women - causes
Hyperandrogenia in women is a consequence of endocrine diseases, as well as tumors of the endocrine system - the pituitary (as part of the hypothalamic-pituitary system), thymus, thyroid, pancreas, adrenals and gonads). Also, the cause of an increased number of male hormones - androgens - is adrenogenital syndrome. A large number of male hormones is converted into glucocorticoids under the action of a special enzyme, the production of which occurs programmed genetically. Another reason for hyperandrogenism in women is called adrenal tumors. The increase in cells that produce androgens significantly increases the number of male hormones. Increasing the production of male sex hormones can also be caused by the sensitivity of the skin to the male sex hormone - testosterone.
Hyperandrogenia in women - symptoms
Hyperandrogenia is a condition that is clinically manifested by acne, seborrhea, and hirsutismome androgen dependent alopecia. In this case, blood tests can show an elevated or within the normal level of androgens (male sex hormones). Ovarian changes, characteristic of polycystic ovaries, are also diagnosed. The main feature, also characteristic of the syndrome of hyperandrogenism in women, caused by an increase in androgens, is a violation of the menstrual cycle, later infertility, anovulatory cycles. Hyperandrogenia in girls delay the onset of menstruation for several years.
Hyperandrogenism in women is accompanied by obesity. Changes on the skin are accompanied by the formation of acne (blackheads). Also, hyperandrogenia causes irreversible changes that lead to the formation of small cysts and the formation of a capsule around the ovaries. Of the external signs of elevated levels of androgens, acne eruptions, excessive growth of hair on the legs, hands. Serious changes in the ovaries can inhibit the maturation of the egg, polycystosis.
Hyperandrogenism and pregnancy
Specialists identify hyperandrogenism of the adrenal, ovarian and mixed origin. Hyperandrogenia of ovarian genesis is caused by an increased content of the male sex hormone - testosterone, which is produced by the ovaries. The causes of this ailment are various diseases of the ovaries: tumors, polycystosis. It is also often diagnosed in girls who are engaged in power sports. During pregnancy, hyperandrogenia of ovarian genesis does not pose a threat to the fetus and delivery, nor does it require treatment. Adrenal hyperandrogenism, usually congenital or caused by a lack of a number of enzymes that participate in the formation of cortisol, is dangerous for those who plan pregnancy or become pregnant.
Hyperandrogenia in women during pregnancy can lead to dangerous complications already closer to childbirth, such as untimely outflow of amniotic fluid and weak labor activity.