A brain disorder could occur that would up the risk of blindness in women with elevated levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, according to a new study.
The study, led by the University of Birmingham in Britain, showed that excess testosterone leads to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) -- high pressure in the brain -- resulting in blindness and daily long-term headaches in women.
High Testosterone Level In Women / Hyperandrogenism
High levels of testosterone in women, also known as hyperandrogenism is an endocrine disorder characterized by acne, increased facial and body hair and menstrual abnormalities. The symptoms can be treated by antiandrogens.
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‘Increased levels of testosterone cause idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) that results in blindness and daily long term headache for women.’
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The findings showed that women with IIH had raised levels of testosterones compared to those with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The hormones were also found to be increased in the brain fluid of women with IIH.
"These findings mark a key step forward. For the first time we have found a pattern of androgen dysregulation that is unique to IIH and potentially a driver of abnormal brain pressure in people with the condition," said Alex Sinclair, Researcher from the varsity.
![Andropause / Male Menopause]( "Andropause / Male Menopause")
Andropause or male menopause causing low libido in a man is due to decreasing level of male hormones, like testosterone. Symptoms of andropause are depression, irritability.
"Taken together this provides the first evidence that IIH may be a manifestation of female androgen excess," Sinclair added.
Originally identified over 100 years ago, the cause of IIH has remained unknown yet, despite speculation about why more than 95 per cent of the total incidence is in women with obesity.
For the study, published in the journal JCI Insight, the team examined the levels of testosterone in blood and urine, as well as in brain fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in 55 women aged 18 to 45 years with IIH.
They then compared the results with the levels observed in women with obesity of the same age and body mass index (BMI), as well as a cohort of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is known to be associated with increased levels of specific types of androgens, which can cause excess hair and irregular periods.
Source: IANS
"These findings mark a key step forward. For the first time we have found a pattern of androgen dysregulation that is unique to IIH and potentially a driver of abnormal brain pressure in people with the condition," said Alex Sinclair, Researcher from the varsity.
Andropause / Male Menopause
Andropause or male menopause causing low libido in a man is due to decreasing level of male hormones, like testosterone. Symptoms of andropause are depression, irritability.
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"Taken together this provides the first evidence that IIH may be a manifestation of female androgen excess," Sinclair added.
Originally identified over 100 years ago, the cause of IIH has remained unknown yet, despite speculation about why more than 95 per cent of the total incidence is in women with obesity.
For the study, published in the journal JCI Insight, the team examined the levels of testosterone in blood and urine, as well as in brain fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in 55 women aged 18 to 45 years with IIH.
They then compared the results with the levels observed in women with obesity of the same age and body mass index (BMI), as well as a cohort of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is known to be associated with increased levels of specific types of androgens, which can cause excess hair and irregular periods.
Source: IANS
Surgical Castration
Surgical castration is a procedure where both the testes are removed. It renders the male infertile and reduces sexual urges.
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 Prostate CancerThis cancer affects men over the age of 50 years and screening with rectal examination and PSA can help both in early detection and effective treatment | Advertisement
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