How to Treat High Testosterone in Women: Signs and Causes

How to Treat High Testosterone in Women: Signs and Causes

In some cases, an intersex condition could be the cause, wherein the person has chromosomal, hormonal, or physiological sex variations that don’t fit into the typical, binary definition of male or female. In extreme cases, high testosterone levels in women could be an indication of a more severe medical condition where tumors may be present on the ovaries or the adrenal glands. Some women will experience an excess of body hair during the menopause irrespective of their testosterone levels. As oestrogen levels decline, androgens – which are usually kept in check by oestrogen – can then present with symptoms such as coarse facial hair. High female testosterone levels are also linked with an increased risk of infertility. [12] Additionally, post-menopausal women with elevated testosterone may be more likely to experience insulin resistance, which can make developing diabetes more likely. One of the most noticeable symptoms of higher-than-normal testosterone in females is acne breakouts.

Finally, the hypothesis cannot explain the observed correlations of prenatal testosterone (litoralgarve.pt) with strength and athleticism described above. Despite the limitations of 2D4D, this marker still provides evidence for a causal direction of the effects of prenatal testosterone on strength and athleticism in females. Overall, there is thus no clear evidence that exercise and strength training themselves lead to increases in testosterone in females. This may be true if the levels are only slightly elevated, especially if there are no symptoms and the condition doesn’t cause infertility or other issues.

Premenopausal women are more likely to have PCOS or non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). The top diagnoses would shift to ovarian hyperthecosis and androgen producing tumors in post-menopausal women. If the woman is pregnant, gestational hyperandrogenism would be the likely culprit. However, people with hyperandrogenism typically seek medical care for the treatment of its main symptoms, such as hirsutism, acne and irregular periods. In CAH, genetic mutations (changes) cause shortages of certain enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, that help your body produce needed hormones.

Another possible effect of high T in women is excessive hair growth in unwanted areas, known as hirsutism. (Yes, there’s a scientific name for those pesky chin hairs you have to pluck.) Other signs include acne, excessive perspiration, frontal balding, and deepening of the voice. For both men and women, testosterone plays a key role in the development and maintenance of muscle mass, strength, energy levels, and bone density. For women in particular, the maintenance of bone density and muscle mass is important, as both of these tend to deteriorate with age. Then, to deal with excess male hormones, treatment is similar to PCOS treatment — including birth control or androgen receptor blockers, Frederick says. In this condition, women notice unwanted hair growth in their bodies. There is a connection between abnormal hormonal conditions to an individual’s genetics.

We suspected laboratory interference in the testosterone test, prompting a reevaluation of both laboratory procedures and imaging of the ovarian mass. The main limitation of this study is that although the reviews conducted are systematic, and thus unbiased regarding the hypotheses addressed, they are not exhaustive, nor have the findings been subject to meta-analyses. As such, further studies would be needed for more detailed, and functionally in-depth, analyses for any specific hypothesis of the many addressed here. ‍Hormonal change is at the root of dozens of symptoms women experience in the years before and after their period stops. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want guidance from clinicians who specialize in women’s midlife health, book a virtual visit with Midi today. Certain healthy habits, like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and prioritizing sleep, can help lower testosterone. There are also some supplements that may be able to help, such as spearmint and licorice root.

While women naturally produce less testosterone than men, some women struggle with high testosterone levels. Along with estrogen, testosterone helps to grow and maintain women’s bones and reproductive tissues. With the recent controversy surrounding South African Olympian Caster Semenya, many are beginning to wonder how common it is for women to have naturally high testosterone levels. Even with the advancement of hormone-testing technology, testosterone is still broadly considered a “male-only” hormone, despite its natural production in the ovaries.

Testosterone levels are too carefully controlled by the brain for that to occur. Macintosh et al. (152) also reported that Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age females had notably strong upper limbs with CSG properties closely matching the values observed in modern semi-elite female rowers. Robust upper bodies and strengthened humeri were also documented in Pottery Mound (700–500 YBP) females from New Mexico, USA (153).

While it’s known that many men with low testosterone levels, often referred to as T levels, can be asymptomatic, the effects of low testosterone in women are not as well studied. Aside from medical treatment, there are lifestyle changes women can make to help lower their testosterone levels. If a woman is experiencing symptoms of too much testosterone, it’s best to seek treatment to find the underlying cause. Medical, natural, or a combination of both types of treatment may help regulate testosterone levels. Below is a chart representing the normal range for female testosterone levels by age and ng/dL.

The presence of exogenous testosterone is essential to return a positive result. Receive information on women’s health topics and answers to your burning menopause questions. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for high testosterone. Therefore, whenever you notice these symptoms, contact our women’s hormone clinic in OKC.

But it’s important to see your provider right away if you have sudden symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Exercise can improve insulin resistance and fertility in people with PCOS. Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is recommended for a total of 150 minutes weekly. Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises are also encouraged. People with PCOS should consult a nutritionist on how to design their diet to support weight loss and overall health and naturally lower testosterone levels.