Fast Facts

Androgen Excess / Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) Fast Facts

• Androgen-related disorders affect 6-8% of women of reproductive age, affecting 3.7 - 4.9 million in the US, and 89 - 119 million women worldwide. What is Androgen Excess »

• 70-90% of androgen excess is due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with non-classic (late onset) adrenal hyperplasia, androgen secreting tumors, and syndromes of severe insulin resistance affecting the remainder.
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) »  |  Non-classic (late onset) Adrenal Hyperplasia »

• Idiopathic hirsutism, although not strictly a disorder of androgen excess, affects approximately 5-15% of women depending on definition. Idiopathic Hirsutism »

• Hirsutism, the presence of excessive terminal hair growth in a male pattern in women, is one of the most common clinical signs of androgen excess depending on ethnicity. Hirsutism »

• Patients who have PCOS are at higher risk for having insulin resistance, and for developing type II diabetes mellitus and possible cardiovascular disease. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) »

• Non-classic adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency affects between 1-8% of androgen excess women, and is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders of man. Non-classic (late onset) Adrenal Hyperplasia »

• Other signs of androgen excess include irregular ovulation or menstruation, infertility, oily skin, acne and scalp hair loss.
  More about Androgen Excess »