Hyperandrogenism: precocious pubarche and polycystic ovary syndrome. Etiology and therapeutic possibilities

The synthesis of androgens in women is produced in the adrenal gland, ovary, and peripheral target tissues for androgen action (skin, muscle and adipose tissue).

Excessive androgen production (or hyperandrogenism) in childhood and adolescence may determine alterations in these target tissues, determining the onset of hirsutism, acne, menstrual disorders or virilization, whose intensity and time of onset depend on the origin of the excess production of androgens.

The etiology of hyperandrogenism will vary according to age. Therefore, in the prepubertal period in the absence of androgen overproduction gonadal maturation have originated in the adrenal gland in most cases, while in the peripubertal post-pubertal period the ovary is the main cause.