In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperandrogenism is clinically manifested by hirsutism, acne and androgenic alopecia, and it contributes to chronic anovulation and menstrual dysfunction. Biochemically, hyperandrogenism is established by elevated circulating levels of serum total or unbound testosterone, androstenedione and an increased free androgen index (FAI). In prospective studies, hyperandrogenism appears to affect about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age [1], although racial differences or the selection criteria of patients can increase its prevalence up to 30% [2].
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Georgopoulos, N.A., Kandaraki, E., Panidis, D. (2009). Hyperandrogenism in PCOS. In: Farid, N.R., Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. (eds) Diagnosis and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09718-3_8
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