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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The most common cause are

polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – around 72% of women with clinical hyperandrogenism have PCOS (1)
idiopathic - androgen levels are not increased, resulting from hypersensitivity of the hair follicle to androgen (2). There may be a raised level of peripherally derived androgens such as 3 alpha-androstanediol glucorinide. The condition usually begins in the early teens and increases with age. A family history may be present.

Other causes:

adrenal -
- non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (less than 5%)
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Cushing's syndrome
- virilizing tumour
pituitary -
- acromegaly
- hyperprolactinaemia (1)
ovarian -
- virilising tumours
- gonadal dysgenesis
thyroid dysfunction (1)
iatrogenic -
- drugs - androgenic drugs, oral contraceptives, phenytoin
menopause – is thought to be due to decreasing oestrogen levels leading to unopposed androgen effects, most present with facial hirsutism (4)
Turner's syndrome

Reference:

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Aetiology

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