Hyperandrogenism means that there are too many androgens (“male” sex hormones such as testosterone) in the blood. In PCOS, hyperandrogenism is an important diagnostic criteria and is split into clinical hyperandrogenism and biochemical hyperandrogenism. Clinical hyperandrogenism is detected by seeing the presence of physical symptoms of hyperandrogensim such as male pattern hair growth, acne or hair loss. Biochemical hyperandrogenism is present when increased levels of androgens are detected in the bloodstream through a blood test.
Source:
- Teede H. et al. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2018 Sep 1;33(9):1602-1618. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052961/
