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What Causes High Testosterone in Women? Female Testosterone Levels

What Causes High Testosterone in Women? Female Testosterone Levels

Estrogen is often called the female sex hormone, as it plays an important role in the female reproductive system. Likewise, testosterone is referred to as the male sex hormone for the roles it plays in male sexual development and function. It’s true that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) have much higher levels of estrogen, but they have some testosterone, too.

Verywell Health prefers to use inclusive terminology for sex and gender. For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to people born with the reproductive organs typical for females (such as a vagina, uterus, and ovaries). This definition does testosterone enlarge the prostate not take into account their gender or gender identity. The benefits of testosterone for women include stronger bones, improved ovary function (more regular periods), and possibly a clearer mind, better mood, higher sex drive, and more energy.

High testosterone in males can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including acne, increased sex drive, excessive facial and body hair, mood changes, infertility, and more. Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives and corticosteroids, can affect testosterone levels in women. Birth control pills, for example, may lower testosterone levels, while corticosteroids can increase testosterone levels. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking to determine if they could be affecting your hormone levels. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth on their face, chest, or back.

However, dominance has yet to be studied in females with PCOS, and the links of social or physical dominance with components of fitness in human populations remain largely unexplored. Fourth, anthropological evidence suggests that females in some ancestral environments engaged in strenuous physical activities and heavy agricultural labor. Similarly, Cassidy (163) reported that in archaic-period (3,000–1,000 BC) Indian Knoll populations, females were exposed to an increased workload with the adoption of agriculture.

On the other hand, anti-androgenic progestins, such as drospirenone, norgestimate, dienogest, and cyproterone, can improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. However, stopping an anti-androgenic progestin can lead to rebound weight gain. In women, too much testosterone can promote insulin resistance and visceral fat.

While its signs and symptoms may make you feel embarrassed or ashamed, know that you’re not alone and that the condition is treatable. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options and be sure to see a psychologist or therapist if it’s affecting your mental health. It’s important to note that you could have these symptoms of hyperandrogenism but have normal levels of androgens in your blood. It’s also possible to have bloodwork tests show that you have high androgen levels while having mild or no physical symptoms. Hyperandrogenism happens when you have an excess amount of androgens in your body.

The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Get support for every stage of your reproductive health journey, delivered right to your doorstep. For excess hair on the face, a topical prescription can help to slow the growth of hair.

High levels of the hormone can cause acne, oily skin, and even excessive facial or body hair growth. As women age, they experience a natural decline in hormones, including testosterone. After menopause, women may experience low testosterone levels, which can lead to a decrease in sex drive, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. One of the most common causes of high testosterone levels in women is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. This disorder leads to the growth of ovarian cysts, which can affect hormone levels in the body.