Metabolic and Cardiovascular Issues in Women With Androgen Excess

Abstract

Historically, women with androgen excess are often ignored and their complaints not taken seriously. We now know that many of these women have insulin resistance that can be aggravated by other cardiovascular risk factors. The insulin resistance is often accompanied by lower HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Evidence is accumulating that these women develop premature atherosclerotic vascular disease, often associated with diabetes. The stigmata of androgen excess often are the only marker of this metabolic aberration. Recognition can permit early institution of preventive measures that include exercise, diet, weight loss, and medications to control hypertension, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia.

The syndrome of androgen excess is prevalent. Awareness of the range of phenotypic expression will facilitate diagnosis and the cooperation necessary for the behavior modification that is essential for the prevention of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity.