High Testosterone Levels in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Testosterone is a hormone that is commonly associated with men. However, women also produce testosterone in smaller amounts, and high levels of testosterone in women can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues.

Testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands in women, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and sex drive. Normal levels of testosterone in women range from 15 to 70 ng/dL. However, when levels rise above this range, women may experience symptoms of high testosterone.

High testosterone in women can lead to a condition known as hyperandrogenism, which is characterized by excess levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body. This condition can cause a number of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

• Acne
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back)
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Deepening of the voice
• Clitoral enlargement
• Increased muscle mass
• Decreased breast size

In addition to these physical symptoms, women with high testosterone levels may also experience emotional symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.

Factors contributing to high testosterone in women

There are several factors that can contribute to high testosterone levels in women, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and adrenal tumors. PCOS is the most common cause of high testosterone in women, affecting an estimated 5-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by the development of cysts on the ovaries, which can lead to an imbalance in hormones and an increase in testosterone production.