Symptoms and Diagnosis

Androgen excess primarily affects women during the reproductive years, from young adolescence to the start of menopause. Women with androgen excess are often overweight, and many have a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance or a close relative who is similarly affected by androgen excess. Many women with androgen excess have a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Possible symptoms of androgen excess disorders are:

Androgen deficiency usually occurs in women who have undergone removal of both ovaries or who are postmenopausal. Possible symptoms of androgen deficiency include:

Decreased libido
Fatigue
Osteoporosis

Because the symptoms of androgen-related disorders can be signs of such a wide range of conditions, several exams and tests may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. The Center for Androgen-Related Research and Discovery offers comprehensive testing to accurately identify the cause of the patient's symptoms. Available diagnostic procedures include:

Assessment for degree of hirsutism
Assessment of body habitus
Assessment of ovulatory function
Genetic counseling
Nutritional evaluation
Physical examination
Testing for insulin resistance and glucose tolerance
Testing of adrenal (adrenocortical) function
Testing of circulating hormones to determine androgen levels