 that combat the side effects of menopause can lower testosterone levels. One such medicine is oral estrogen.
Problems with the ovaries and adrenal glands can also cause lower levels of testosterone. A woman may have reduced levels if her ovaries have been removed, for example, or if she has adrenal insufficiency, which means that the adrenal glands do not work correctly.
High testosterone in women
Too much testosterone can cause symptoms that affect a woman’s physical appearance including:
- excess body hair, specifically facial hair;
- enlarged clitoris;
- decreased breast size;
- deepening of the voice;
- increased muscle mass.
Overly high levels of testosterone in women can also cause:
- irregular menstrual cycles;
- low libido;
- changes in mood.
In more severe cases of testosterone imbalances in women, high testosterone can cause infertility and obesity.
Diagnosing high testosterone
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you should talk to a doctor.
A doctor will perform a physical examination based on your symptoms to determine whether or not you need additional tests. During the examination, a doctor will look for these symptoms:
- abnormal facial hair;
- excess body hair.
If your symptoms seem to be abnormal, a doctor will suggest a testosterone test to measure hormone levels in your blood. To perform this test, a doctor will draw some of your blood and have it examined for hormone levels.
The test is typically performed in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. Prior to performing this test, a doctor may ask you to stop taking any prescriptions that could affect the test results.
Causes of high testosterone in women
Various diseases or hormonal disorders can cause hormonal changes in women. The most common causes of high testosterone levels in women are hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Hirsutism is a hormonal condition in women that causes the growth of unwanted hair, specifically on the back, face, and chest. The amount of body hair growth is highly dependent on genetics, but this condition is primarily caused by an imbalance of androgen hormones.
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal disorder caused by an excess of androgen hormones in women. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular or prolonged periods, unwanted body hair growth, and enlarged ovaries that may not function properly. Other common complications of PCOS are:
type 2 diabetes
3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a disorder that directly affects the adrenal glands and the production of the body’s hormones. In many cases of CAH, the body overproduces androgen.
Common symptoms of this disorder in women include:
- masculine characteristics;
- early appearance of pubic hair;
- severe acne.
Treatment for low testosterone in women
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment typically marketed to men. However, women also produce testosterone, although in smaller amounts than men. When these levels dip below normal for women, it can negatively impact their health.
TRT can be indicated for the treatment of low testosterone in women to improve their daily lives and overall health outcomes. Many women have reported positive changes in their lives by increasing levels of testosterone.
What does testosterone do for a woman?
Though women naturally produce less testosterone than men, in small amounts, the hormone is essential in the support of several body functions. Normal, sustained female testosterone levels in women can help:
- support the maintenance and healthy growth of bone tissue;
- increase and maintain muscle mass;
- decrease the amount of fat storage (particularly in post-menopausal women);
- promote a healthy sex drive or libido;
- decrease the risk of vaginal atrophy.
There is some research to suggest that normal testosterone levels in women can even help support cardiovascular health. As such, this is more than just a “sex hormone” – it plays an integral role in overall good health and long