Androgens are often called the “male hormones,” but they are naturally present in both men and women. Androgens include the hormones testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S).
In men, androgens are produced in the testes, adrenal glands, and fat cells. In women, androgens are produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Androgens are at higher levels in men than women, but they play an important role in a woman’s body as well.
Hyperandrogenism refers to abnormally high levels of the androgen hormones and can cause infertility in women. Hyperandrogenism may be a symptom of PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or androgen-secreting tumors.
Hypoandrogenism, also known as androgen deficiency, refers to abnormally low levels of the androgen hormones. In men, this may lead to infertility.
