What syndrome is characterized by excessive androgen production in females?

Study for the UWorld Endocrine Test. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice items with explanations and hints. Prepare yourself thoroughly!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by excessive androgen production in females. This condition is often associated with a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism (excessive body hair), acne, and sometimes obesity. The elevation of androgens can lead to various reproductive and metabolic complications, highlighting the importance of recognizing PCOS in clinical practice.

In PCOS, the ovaries often have multiple cysts and can contribute to hormonal imbalance, specifically an increase in androgens like testosterone. This skewing of hormone levels is pivotal in the diagnosis and understanding of this syndrome.

The other conditions listed do not primarily focus on excessive androgen production in females. Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting females that typically causes short stature and ovarian dysfunction, but it does not involve hyperandrogenism. Cushing's syndrome can lead to increased androgens as a result of excessive cortisol production, but it is primarily characterized by symptoms related to cortisol excess rather than specifically androgen excess. Premature ovarian failure involves the loss of ovarian function but is not specifically tied to elevated androgen levels.

Thus, PCOS is recognized as the condition most directly associated with excessive androgen production in females, making it the correct choice in

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