Testosterone is a sex hormone known as an androgen. It is produced in small amounts by the ovaries in women, along with estrogen—the female sex hormone. Testosterone helps maintain and repair a woman's reproductive tissues, bone mass, and other functions.
Testosterone
An imbalance of testosterone in a woman's body can have devastating effects on her health and sexual function. There are many symptoms resulting from high testosterone levels in women, and these elevated levels can cause symptoms that affect a woman's physical appearance, including:
– Increased body hair, particularly on the face.
– Baldness.
– Acne.
– Enlarged clitoris.
– Decreased breast size.
– Deepening of the voice.
– Increased muscle mass.
– Irregular menstrual cycles.
– Decreased libido.
– Mood swings.
– Excessive levels of this hormone can also cause infertility and obesity.
Diagnosing High Testosterone
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should talk to your doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam based on your symptoms to determine if you need further testing. If you have abnormal symptoms, the doctor will suggest a testosterone test to measure the hormone levels in your blood. For this test, the doctor will take a blood sample to determine the hormone levels. The test is usually done in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. Before the test, the doctor may ask you to stop taking any medications that could affect the results.
The Dangers of High Testosterone in Women
There are a number of conditions caused by hormonal imbalances in women, most notably high testosterone levels:
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a hormonal condition that affects women and causes unwanted hair growth, specifically on the back, face, and chest. The amount of hair growth on the body depends largely on genetics, but this condition is primarily caused by an imbalance of androgens.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder caused by an excess of androgens in women. If you have PCOS, you may experience irregular or prolonged periods, and unwanted hair growth. Enlarged ovaries may also be a symptom, and they may not function properly. Other common complications of PCOS include infertility, miscarriage, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and endometrial cancer.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and Testosterone
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a disorder that directly affects the adrenal glands and hormone production in the body. Common symptoms in women include infertility, male characteristics, the onset of pubic hair, and severe acne. Treatment involves a combination of medications, including birth control pills, and healthy lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.