Testosterone is often thought of as a "male" hormone. But women's bodies produce testosterone as well, at lower levels. When women have higher than normal testosterone levels, it can cause some significant effects:
- Physical changes: High testosterone can lead women to develop some more masculine physical features, such as:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Decreased body fat
- Increased body and facial hair growth
- Male pattern baldness
- Deepening of the voice
- Emotional changes: Women with elevated testosterone may experience:
- Increased sex drive
- More aggressive tendencies or "shorter fuse"
- Difficulty controlling anger and frustration
- Fertility issues: High testosterone can interfere with ovulation and fertility in women. Specifically, it can:
- Stop menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Cause problems with ovarian follicle maturation
- Lead to infertility
- Other health risks: Over time, abnormally high testosterone may increase women's risks for:
- Heart disease
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- Cancer of the uterus, breasts, and ovaries
- Medication side effects: Sometimes elevated testosterone is caused by tumors, steroid use, or other complex medical conditions. But it's important for doctors to determine the root cause in each woman, rather than just treat symptoms alone.
The effects of excess testosterone tend to accumulate over months and years. So early detection and treatment are important for women's future health. Methods for lowering high testosterone when it's not due to tumors include medications, diet/lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. A knowledgeable women's health specialist can run the right tests and advise on the best treatment options for each patient's unique needs.
