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Ovarian overproduction of androgens

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Definition:

This condition involves overproduction by the ovaries of hormones (such as testosterone ) that stimulate the development of male characteristics.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In healthy women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce about 40 - 50% of the body's testosterone. Excess androgen production in the ovaries may result from tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands, polycystic ovarian disease (characterized by enlarged ovaries containing multiple fluid-filled cysts), Cushing's disease (an abnormality in the pituitary gland resulting in excess amounts of corticosteroids, hormones which alter body fat distribution), and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a group of disorders caused by an enzyme defect during fetal development).

• Review Date: 5/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMedHealthcare Network.

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