Hormones
Androgens are hormones with masculinising effects, present in everyone. Raised androgens in women can cause acne, excess hair growth and irregular cycles, and are one of the features used to diagnose PCOS. They are measured with blood tests such as total testosterone and free androgen index.
Also known as: hyperandrogenism, androgen excess
Sources
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.