Related Experiment Videos
[Hyperandrogenism and pregnancy]
1Service d'endocrinologie et maladies métaboliques, CHU de Rouen, 147, avenue du Maréchal-Juin, 76230 Bois-Guillaume, France.
Annales D'Endocrinologie
|November 21, 2002
Summary
During pregnancy, elevated testosterone can cause maternal virilization and risk fetal virilization. Early identification of androgen exposure and its cause is crucial, as no treatment is available during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Gynecologic Endocrinology
Context:
- Pregnancy normally involves increased testosterone levels due to higher testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG) synthesis and elevated free-testosterone and androstenedione.
- Protective mechanisms usually prevent maternal and fetal virilization, but these can be overwhelmed.
Purpose:
- To review the causes and consequences of maternal hyperandrogenism during pregnancy.
- To emphasize the importance of evaluating fetal virilization risk based on the timing and etiology of maternal androgen excess.
Summary:
- Elevated testosterone during pregnancy can lead to maternal virilization symptoms like acne, hair loss, and clitoromegaly.
- The primary concern is the risk of virilization in a female fetus, which increases with earlier gestational androgen exposure.
- Common causes include ovarian luteomas and theca-lutein cysts; rarer causes involve other ovarian or adrenal conditions.
- No treatments are currently available during pregnancy.
Impact:
- Highlights the diagnostic challenge of maternal hyperandrogenism in pregnancy.
- Underscores the critical need for timely diagnosis to assess fetal risks.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management and monitoring of pregnant individuals with suspected androgen excess.