Hyperandrogenism is a medical situation through which the physique produces an excessive amount of androgen, a male hormone similar to testosterone. That is most frequently skilled by ladies, however can be seen in males and intersex individuals.
All our bodies produce androgens, however ladies sometimes produce fewer androgens than males. Due to this fact, when androgen ranges change into extreme, ladies can expertise signs similar to extreme hair progress, zits, and irregular menstrual cycles. Hyperandrogenism is attributable to a wide range of components, however some of the frequent is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Aside from the medical considerations this illness causes, the situation is commonly considered with prejudice as a result of it will possibly additionally have an effect on inflexible gender roles in society, particularly ladies’s reproductive well being. The situation has additionally traditionally prompted a stir within the subject of sports activities, because it brings questions and intense scrutiny to ladies’s our bodies.
Here is what you should find out about hyperandrogenism.
What causes hyperandrogenism?
In males, androgens are produced within the testicles and in ladies, within the ovaries. Each women and men additionally produce androgens of their adrenal glands (two endocrine glands situated on high of the kidneys). Analysis exhibits that girls with PCOS typically have increased ranges of insulin, which causes the ovaries to provide extra testosterone.
In addition to PCOS, hyperandrogenism can be attributable to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH refers to a bunch of genetic issues that have an effect on the adrenal glands. Resulting from sure enzyme deficiencies, these issues stop the gland from producing essential hormones (similar to cortisol), leading to overproduction of androgens. CAH is likely one of the frequent genetic causes of intersex traits in individuals with XX chromosomes and might trigger enlargement or atypia of the genital organs of the feminine physique.
Though uncommon, sure tumors similar to these of the adrenal glands, testicles, and ovaries also can trigger hyperandrogenism. Some drugs also can trigger it.
Signs and remedy
Hyperandrogenism can generally manifest as signs similar to zits, oily pores and skin, extra physique hair, androgenetic alopecia (in ladies), and irregular intervals. In some instances, if untreated, it will possibly result in infertility, hypertension, sort 2 diabetes, and even coronary heart illness.
Though these could range by age, weight, and ethnicity, hyperandrogenism is often identified by way of blood checks that decide the extent of testosterone within the physique, in addition to a subjective evaluation of such signs.
Relying on the underlying trigger, hyperandrogenism might be handled or managed with oral contraceptives, a standard remedy for PCOS, or corticosteroids, which mimic cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. The latter may help deal with signs when they’re related to a scarcity of cortisol manufacturing. There are additionally sure drugs that block the results of extra androgens and assist handle situations similar to zits and extra physique hair.
Hyperandrogenism and ladies’s sports activities
Within the title of stopping the “unfair benefit” of feminine athletes within the worldwide sporting area, many ladies with hyperandrogenism have traditionally undergone controversial gender affirmation checks, which have been broadly criticized as “unscientific”. These checks have advanced from forcing feminine athletes to parade bare in entrance of medical doctors and specialists to analyzing blood testosterone ranges, and have resulted in Indian athletes similar to Santi Soundarajan and Dhoti Chand being stripped of their medals or compelled to combat for sporting alternatives.
Algerian boxer Imane Kherif was additionally on the heart of gender controversy after she was falsely accused of being male or transgender through the 2024 Paris Olympics, with many claiming her participation was unfair to ladies’s sport. However specialists argue that testosterone, which naturally happens at excessive ranges in some ladies’s our bodies, is probably not the one figuring out issue with regards to athletic efficiency.
Hyperandrogenism is an irreversible situation most often, however it may be managed. Equally essential is the necessity to tackle and alter the stigma surrounding this situation by way of elevated consciousness and a extra nuanced understanding of intercourse and gender.
issued – December 25, 2025, 4:30 PM IST
