[Epidemiology, classification and clinical aspects of hyperandrogenemia]

Hyperandogenemia in women is manifested typically by clinical features that may include hirsutism, acne, central obesity, male pattern baldness, increased waist-to-hip ratio, clitoral hypertrophy and deepening of the voice. The differential diagnosis include Cushing syndrome, PCO and iatrogenic hirsutism. Complications include cardiovascular disease, intravascular disease and insulin resistance. An interdisciplinary approach to management is strongly recommended. Risk reduction strategies include correction of dyslipidemias, low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of myocardial infarction, maintenance of ideal weight, smoking cessation, use of oral contraceptives with low progestin, and postmenopausal estrogen replacement.