While testosterone is often considered the “male” hormone, women also require balanced testosterone levels to maintain optimal health. However, elevated testosterone affects up to 10% of women, causing concerning symptoms. This article examines the causes, signs, and risks of high testosterone in women along with evidence-based management strategies.
Potential Causes of High Testosterone in Females
There are several root causes that can drive testosterone too high in women, including:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common cause of elevated testosterone in women, affecting up to 20% of reproductive-aged females. PCOS involves metabolic and reproductive abnormalities leading to symptoms like missed periods, acne, and excess facial/body hair growth (hirsutism). The precise causes of PCOS remain unclear but excess testosterone production by the ovaries plays a central role.
Adrenal Tumors
In rare cases, small benign tumors on the adrenal glands can cause excess testosterone production in women. Adrenal tumors usually require imaging tests and possible surgical removal to resolve hormonal imbalances.
Hyperthecosis
In hyperthecosis, ovarian stroma cells that produce testosterone multiply out of control. The cause is unknown but genetics may play a role. Hyperthecosis tends to affect women after menopause as excess testosterone production replaces estrogen.
Medications
Certain medications like testosterone creams/gels, anabolic steroids, or hormonal contraceptives can very rarely trigger high testosterone as a side effect.
Now that potential causes have been covered, what are the most common signs and symptoms?
Key Signs and Symptoms in Females
Symptoms of elevated testosterone in women can include:
• Irregular periods or absence of menstruation
• Infertility issues
• Hair loss/balding typical of male pattern baldness
• Increased body hair growth (on the face, chest, and stomach)
• Severe adolescent acne
• Skin redness/ruddiness
• Muscle mass gains
• Deepened voice
If several of the above signs emerge, laboratory testing can confirm a diagnosis.
Health Risks for Women
If left untreated, high testosterone may promote serious long-term health issues for women such as:
• Type 2 diabetes – Excess testosterone reduces insulin sensitivity over time, greatly elevating diabetes risk.
• Cardiovascular disease – High testosterone shifts cholesterol profiles negatively and accelerates plaque buildup inside blood vessels.
• Cancer – Testosterone overexposure increases estrogens which can feed certain hormone-positive breast cancers. Testosterone also appears to directly accelerate cancers like endometrial carcinoma.
• Infertility – By disrupting ovarian functioning and menstrual cycles, chronic testosterone elevation hinders pregnancy chances.
Thankfully, steps can be taken to alleviate high testosterone while minimizing future health perils.
Lifestyle Changes First
Before resorting to medication, doctors often recommend trying lifestyle modifications first through:
• Weight Loss – In overweight women, shedding excess fat can reduce testosterone production dramatically.
• Nutritional Optimization – Ensuring adequate intakes of testosterone-regulating micronutrients like magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
• Stress Management – Lowering high cortisol and insulin helps normalize testosterone over time naturally.
When lifestyles changes fail to move the needle, medical interventions may become necessary.
Conclusion & Next Steps
If you are experiencing potential symptoms, don’t ignore them. Make an appointment with your gynecologist and describe all ongoing issues. Through blood testing and a physical exam, an accurate diagnosis can be made. Where elevated testosterone is confirmed, customized treatment plans involving medication, supplement strategies, and lifestyle changes can provide immense relief. Patience is required but solutions exist, even for long-standing cases. With today’s expanding treatment options, living normally with balanced hormones is an attainable goal.
