Androgen excess and the infertile woman

Hyperandrogenism is not infrequently encountered in infertile women. However, elevated levels of androgen in blood may or may not be associated with hirsutism. Therefore, the presence of hirsutism alone may not be adequate to rule out hyperandrogenism as a factor in infertility. Although most patients with hyperandrogenism will have menstrual irregularity, some patients may give a normal menstrual history. Specific markers in blood may be used to direct therapy. Not all suppressive therapy is appropriate for use in the infertile patient.