Author Description

This volume is a comprehensive review of the latest research findings on the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and consequences of androgen excess disorders in women, and the methods now available for diagnosis and treatment. Coverage includes detailed information on the major inherited androgen excess disorders: the adrenal hyperplasias and the severe insulin-resistant hyperandrogenic syndromes. A substantial portion of the book focuses on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), including extensive discussions on adrenal androgen excess, obesity, and insulin resistance in PCOS. Other chapters examine idiopathic hirsutism and uncommon causes of androgen excess. Full consideration is given to the long-term consequences of androgen excess, including endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, infertility, cardiovascular and lipoprotein abnormalities, osteoporosis, obesity and glucose intolerance, and psychosocial problems. The contributors also describe the methods used for evaluation of androgen excess and assess current medical and surgical therapies.