Hair (particularly, 'terminal hair -- hair that is thick and pigmented) on the face, chest (between the breasts or around the nipples), abdomen or thighs that is getting worse, or is worse than other family members, or is worse than usual for one's race. More likely to be important medically if the periods are disturbed (i.e. if there is oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea).

(CAH) Enlargement and abnormal function of the adrenal glands, usually from before birth, owing to a genetically determined, partial block in the production of cortisol, the adrenal glands' main hormone, resulting in overproduction of subsidiary hormones, including androgens, tending to virilise the female fetus, which can present at birth with intersex. In mild forms does not manifest until puberty, when the symptoms of oligomenorrhea and hirsutism mimic those of polycystic ovary syndrome. See also serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

A progestogen that is particularly effective at blocking the effect of male sex hormones (androgens)on the skin, and therefore reducing abnormal hair growth (hirsutism) and acne. Found singly in Androcur and in combination with an estrogen in Diane-35, a formulation used for oral contraception. Dangerous if taken in pregnancy, because it stops male fetuses from developing normal genital organs. Not available in the US.

A hormonal drug used for treating endometriosis. Related to male sex hormones (it's a weak androgen), it has occasional androgenic side effects, including weight gain and increased muscle bulk (it's also an anabolic steroid), and increased facial hair (hirsutism); less commonly their can be deepening of the voice or enlargement of the clitoris. Made by Sanofi Winthrop as Danocrine.

(PCOS) A syndrome that consists of polycystic ovaries associated with any clinical symptom or sign of too much male hormone effect, such as acne, excess body hair (hirsutism), or long or absent cycles (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea). Often called polycystic ovarian disease in the US (PCOD).

17-hydroxyprogesterone is formed from progesterone in the adrenal glands (mostly as an intermediary substance on the way to making the adrenal's main hormone, cortisol) and in the ovaries (on the way to making androgens and estrogens). A congenital lack of one or other of the enzymes needed to make cortisol in the adrenal causes androgens to be made instead, in turn causing hirsutism and oligomenorrhea in women, maybe with the polycystic ovary syndrome (in mild cases), or (in severe cases) causing intersex at birth. The adrenal glands enlarge in an attempt to maintain production of cortisol (hence congenital adrenal hyperplasia, CAH). An inappropriately high level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in serum is diagnostic of CAH.