High androgen levels in women can contribute to acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning and irregular menstrual cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause, but it is not the only one.
What Are Androgens?
Androgens include testosterone, androstenedione and DHEA-S. Women normally produce androgens in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The goal is not to eliminate these hormones, but to identify clinically significant excess when symptoms or laboratory findings suggest it.
Common Causes of High Androgens
PCOS is common, but evaluation may also consider medications, nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian or adrenal disorders and other endocrine conditions. Rapidly progressive symptoms or marked virilization require prompt medical evaluation.
How Are High Androgens Evaluated?
Testing is guided by symptoms and may include total testosterone, free testosterone or SHBG, DHEA-S and other studies depending on the clinical picture. Results should be interpreted with menstrual history, medications and exam findings.
PCOS and Weight
PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and increased metabolic risk in many patients, but high androgen levels do not simply “slow metabolism.” Weight management can improve metabolic health and may improve some PCOS features, but treatment should address the individual’s symptoms and goals.
Treatment Options
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, combined oral contraceptives, metformin for selected metabolic indications, and anti-androgen therapy for persistent hirsutism or hair loss when appropriate. Anti-androgens require effective contraception when pregnancy is possible because of fetal risk.
Why the Cause Matters
There is no single “androgen detox” or supplement regimen that treats all causes. Management should be based on the diagnosis, symptoms, fertility goals and metabolic risk.
For weight-management support, see Medical Weight Loss Los Angeles. For hormone evaluation, see our Hormone Testing & Evaluation page.
