[When and why should hyperandrogenism be searched for in women?]

It is important to diagnose hyperandrogenism in women. By disturbing ovulation, it is actually one of the most frequent causes of infertility. In this particular case, its diagnosis has specific implications: sometimes specific treatment is indicated, or the risk of fetal virilization should be prevented. There is always the possibility of a diagnosis of polycystic ovary, prompting precautionary measures to be taken that are likely to limit the risks linked to the multifollicular development that is so frequent with this disorder. In addition, hyperandrogenism exposes the patient to various gynecological and general complications: cancer of the endometrium, progressive increase in menstrual disturbances and infertility, obesity, metabolic disturbances and probably increase in cardiovascular risks. Certain types of hyperandrogenism give rise to diseases that expose the patient to specific risks: virilizing tumors, Cushing's syndrome, neonatal risks linked to congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal glands. Hyperandrogenism should be borne in mind not only when the clinical picture is that of virilization, but also when there is any disturbance in eugonadal ovulation, whether or not this is manifested as menstrual disturbances or as infertility, and especially whether or not it is accompanied by hirsutism.