What causes high testosterone levels in women?

Do you notice a high rate of acne, hair growth - especially facial hair - and hair loss or baldness? If so, these symptoms usually occur in women who suffer from high testosterone levels in their bodies. But do you know what causes high testosterone levels in women? If not, let's find out.

Testosterone in women

Testosterone is a hormone associated with men, but it is also present in women in small amounts. It is responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of women. Maintaining muscle mass, stabilizing mood, and improving fertility and sex drive, testosterone is the basic element in women's lifestyles. The adrenal glands and ovaries produce testosterone in women. High testosterone levels in women can cause a variety of symptoms and can have many causes.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women show symptoms including:

• Hirsutism, or excessive facial hair
• Acne or oily skin
• Male pattern baldness or hair
• Deeping the volume
• Enlargement of the clitoris
• Incorrect or absent timing
• Increase in muscle mass
• Breast size reduction

Severely high levels of testosterone include a high level of obesity and infertility.

There are multiple causes of high testosterone in women.

Various diseases or hormonal diseases can cause hormonal changes in women. The most common causes of high testosterone levels in women are polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal disorder caused by excess androgen hormones in women. 6% to 12% of American people are affected by PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular or long periods, unwanted body hair growth, and enlarged ovaries that may not work properly. Other common problems with PCOS are:

• Type 2 diabetes
• obesity
• endometrial cancer
• Infertility
• Miscarriages

2. Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a hormonal condition in women that causes unwanted hair growth, especially on the back, face, and chest. Body hair development depends on genetics, but an imbalance of androgen hormones often causes this condition.

3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a disorder that directly affects the adrenal gland and the body's hormone production. In most cases of CAH, the body produces androgens.

Common symptoms of this problem in women include:

• Enlarged clitoris
• Facial hair
• The short height of an adult
• Irregular menstural period
• Early pubic hair
• Severe acne
• Access body hair

Treatment for high testosterone in women will depend on the cause

If PCOS is the cause, treatment may include medication to control menstrual periods and low testosterone levels, such as birth control pills or metformin.

If adrenal gland disease or a tumor is the cause, treatment may include surgery or medication. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise can help lower testosterone levels.

Treatment of high testosterone levels may include medications such as;

• Glucocorticosteroid
• Progestin
• Morfin
• Spironolactone
• Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are an effective treatment for testosterone suppression, but this treatment should be avoided if you have immediate plans to become pregnant. Low-dose birth control pills that use low levels of norgestimate, gestodene, and desogestrel are the best options.

Women with high testosterone levels must work with their healthcare provider to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If left untreated, high testosterone levels can lead to fertility problems and the risk of certain health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Bottom line

In summary, high testosterone levels in women can cause a variety of symptoms and can have many causes. Treatment may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes, and working with your healthcare provider to determine your best course of action is essential.