[Functional hyperandrogenism--classification, etiology, diagnosis and therapy].

The classification of functional hyperandrogenism (FHA) presented in this paper is based on well known clinical experience supported by recent data of molecular biology. Functional hyperandrogenism is composed of various organ system-specific entities with consequently differential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The term polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOS) is misleading and should be replaced by adequate descriptions. Inspite of intense discussions and progress in molecular biology are with the exception of the here described FHA III-group the etiological consequences unresolved in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Based on recent findings on the human genome genetic screening methods (Microarrays) may be available in the near future to allow a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.