The field of androgen excess disorders has advanced substantially since the original publication of this book. The Androgen Excess Society (AES) was founded to bring together investigators in the field. A better understanding of the screening, progression, and molecular genetics of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) has improved the clinical care and diagnostic accuracy of these patients. New criteria for the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were proposed in Rotterdam, criteria that have resulted in controversy and, hopefully, initiation of new studies. The association of insulin resistance with PCOS has been strengthened, and the role of metformin in tre- ing the infertility of the PCOS has been validated. Risks for diabetes and, more cont- versially, cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS have received substantial investigation. Our understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of these disorders has expanded, emphasizing their critical importance. These are but a few highlights of how the terrain has changed in a relatively brief period of time. In keeping with these advances, the title of this book has been revised to reflect the growing importance of PCOS as the most prevalent androgen excess disorder in women, and arguably, as the one that might have the most serious adverse consequences for general health. There are fewer chapters to provide a more focused elucidation of the area. Several chapters were penned by new (and young) authors who are conducting cutting-edge research in the field.

Inhalt
A Brief History of Androgen Excess.- Physiology of Androgens.- Ovarian and Adrenal Androgen Biosynthesis and Metabolism.- Androgens Throughout the Life of Women.- Physiological Effects of Androgens in Women.- Androgen Measurements.- Uncommon Causes of Androgen Excess.- Androgen-Secreting Adrenal and Ovarian Neoplasms.- Cushing's Syndrome, Acromegaly, and Androgen Excess.- The Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasias.- Pregnancy-Related Androgen Excess.- Drug-Induced Hyperandrogenism.- Severe Insulin-Resistance Hyperandrogenic Syndromes.- Idiopathic Hirsutism.- The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Definition and Epidemiology of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Clinical Features of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Biochemical Features of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Ovarian Histology, Morphology, and Ultrasonography in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadotropic Dysfunction in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Ovarian Steroidogenic Abnormalities in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Dysfunction in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- The Genetic Basis of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Pediatric Hyperandrogenism and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescence.- Environmental Factors in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Animal Models and Fetal Programming of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinism in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- The Endocrine Impact of Obesity and Body Habitus in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Menstrual Dysfunction and Endometrial Neoplasia in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Other Androgen Excess Disorders.- ?-Cell Dysfunction, Glucose Intolerance, and Diabetes in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Hypertensionand Cardiovascular and Lipoprotein Abnormalities in the Polycystic Ovary Snydrome.- Reproductive and Obstetrical Consequences of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Psychosocial and Quality-of-Life Consequences of Androgen Excess and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Overview of Long-Term Morbidity and Economic Cost of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Evaluation and Treatment of Androgen Excess.- Clinical and Hormonal Evaluation of Androgen Excess.- Ovarian Suppression and Treatment of Hirsutism.- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovulation Induction.- In Vitro Fertilization for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Surgical Management of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Use of Insulin Sensitizers in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.- Weight Reduction and Lifestyle Modifiction in the Treatment of Androgen Excess.