Hyperandrogen in Women Is Not a Minor Health Problem

Hyperandrogenism is a condition in which the levels of the hormone androgen or testosterone in a woman's body are too high. Normally, women do have this hormone, but only a small amount. If the amount of androgen hormones in a woman's body is excessive, various health problems can arise.

Androgen or testosterone is produced in both male and female bodies. It's just that the amount of this hormone is normally more in men.

In women, androgen hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Together with other hormones, the androgen hormone is responsible for regulating and maintaining various bodily functions, including the reproductive organs and bones. Androgen hormones are also responsible for regulating libido or sexual desire.

Therefore, when androgen hormone levels exceed normal limits in a woman's body, various serious health problems can arise.

Physical and psychological symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women

The following are some physical symptoms that can arise due to androgen levels in a woman's body are too high:

• Increased muscle mass
• Breast size shrinks
• Enlarged clitoris
• Growing dense hair on the face and various parts of the body
• Hair loss or baldness
• Severe acne
• The voice sounds heavier
• Menstruation is not smooth
• Decreased libido

Some of these symptoms can make a woman feel less confident. Not only that, but hyperandrogenism is also at risk of causing fertility problems in women. However, women who have hyperandrogenism can still become pregnant if they have regular sexual intercourse without contraception.

Some studies also state that women who have hyperandrogenism are more at risk of experiencing psychological disorders, such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Causes of Hyperandrogen in Women

There are several medical conditions that can cause a woman to experience hyperandrogenism, namely:

• Ovarian diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cancer
• Disorders of the adrenal glands, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal gland tumors
• Diseases that attack the pituitary gland in the brain, such as Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, and prolactinoma
• Side effects of certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids, testosterone hormone therapy, and insulin injections
• Insulin resistance

In addition to the above conditions, there are several factors that can increase a woman's risk of experiencing hyperandrogenism, including obesity and having a family history of hyperandrogenism.

How to Overcome Hyperandrogens in Women

The handling of hyperandrogenism in women must be adjusted to the cause. Therefore, women who experience hyperandrogenism need to undergo a doctor's examination.

In order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of hyperandrogenic experienced by patients, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination, including blood tests to determine levels of androgen hormones.

After a patient is indicated suffering from hyperandrogenic, doctors will usually advise patients to change lifestyles, for example by following a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve ideal body weight.

In addition, hyperandrogenism can be overcome by administering drugs, including:

Antiandrogen drugs

Antiandrogen drugs are types of drugs that can reduce levels of androgen hormones in the body. There are several types of antiandrogen drugs, namely spironolactone, flutamide, and cyproterone acetate (CPA).

Contraceptive pills that contain antiandrogens

For women with hyperandrogenic conditions who are not planning to become pregnant, hormonal contraception can be an option to reduce androgen levels in the body.

There are many types of hormonal contraception to choose from. One of them is a combined contraceptive pill that contains estrogen and progesterone. In addition, hormonal contraception also contains progesterone Levonorgestrel, Norgestimate, Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Siproteron acetate (CPA).

To overcome hyperandrogenic, the recommended type of hormonal contraception is hormonal contraception which contains a combination of Etiniletsradiol and Siproteron acetate (CPA).

As an antiandrogen, Siproteron acetate works by decreasing the levels of free androgen hormones, reducing oil production in the skin, and preventing the emergence of skin problems, such as acne, or the growth of thick hair on the face and some areas of the body.

Long-term Impact if Hyperandrogen Is Not Treated

Hyperandrogenism that doesn't get treated can cause more serious disorders. If not treated properly, hyperandrogenism can cause women to experience obesity, diabetes, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Not only that, but some studies also show that women with menopausal hyperandrogenic conditions will also be more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Therefore, if you experience symptoms of hyperandrogenism, you should immediately consult a doctor. The sooner the treatment is given, the less likely the occurrence of complications that can be dangerous.

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