Why Would a Woman Have High Testosterone?

When we think of the term testosterone, we usually associate it with having masculinity, muscle growth, and high libido in men. But did you also know that women also can have testosterone—and it also does play an important role in their health? While most people are quite aware of high testosterone in men, many are still surprised to learn that high testosterone in women is not only possible but also quite increasingly common.

So, why would a woman have high testosterone at all? And how does it affect her health, mood, and overall well-being in general? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and other treatment options that are available for elevated testosterone levels in women.

Do Women Have Testosterone?

Yes, absolutely they do. Do women have testosterone? It is a question that many people ask, and the answer to this is yes, they do.

Women also naturally produce testosterone in much smaller amounts than men do. It is primarily produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and thus plays a vital role in:

• Regulating libido

   

• Supporting bone health

   

• Enhancing mood and energy

   

• Building lean muscle mass

   

So, while testosterone is often labeled as a “male hormone,” it is just as important for women, although in lower concentrations than those found in males.

What Are Normal Testosterone Levels in Women?

Understanding the normal testosterone levels in women is the very key to recognizing when things go out of balance in the female body to be specific.

Normal total testosterone levels in women:

• 15 to 70 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter)

   

These values may vary slightly depending upon the lab and individual health factors such as age, menstrual cycle, and menopause status of the woman in question. Women also have a portion of their testosterone which is available as free testosterone, which is the bioavailable form that is not bound to proteins in the blood.

Free testosterone levels in women:

• 0.3 to 1.9 ng/dL

   

Any levels higher than this range may indicate a hormonal imbalance that needs further investigation to be done.

What Causes High Testosterone in Women?

There are several potential reasons as to why a woman might have high testosterone, which highly range from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions.

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common cause of high testosterone in case of women. It affects up to 10% of women of the reproductive age and thus leads to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and development of ovarian cysts as well.

Symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods or absence of menstruation

   

• Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)

   

• Acne and oily skin

   

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

   

• Difficulty getting pregnant

   

2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

CAH is actually a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands, which can in turn lead to the overproduction of male hormones like testosterone. This condition very often presents early in life but can also be diagnosed later.

3. Insulin Resistance

Elevated insulin levels can also trigger the ovaries to produce much more testosterone. This is very often linked to development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In many women, insulin resistance does co-exists with PCOS.

4. Hormonal Supplements or Steroids

Some women who take testosterone supplements made for women as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or those who misuse anabolic steroids for bodybuilding may experience testosterone levels that exceed normal ranges.

5. Adrenal or Ovarian Tumors

In rare cases, tumors of the adrenal glands or ovaries can secrete excess testosterone, leading to symptoms of virilization (the development of male characteristics).

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women

Elevated testosterone can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, many of which significantly impact quality of life.

Common signs of high testosterone in women include:

• Hirsutism: Excess facial and body hair, especially on the chin, upper lip, chest, or back

   

• Acne: Severe or persistent acne, especially along the jawline

   

• Scalp Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

   

• Weight Gain: Especially around the waist and abdomen

   

• Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles

   

• Deepening of the Voice

   

• Increased Muscle Mass

   

• Mood Swings or Aggression

   

• Reduced Breast Size

   

• Infertility

   

These symptoms may vary in intensity depending on how high the testosterone levels are and the underlying cause.

How Is High Testosterone in Women Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you have high testosterone levels, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a series of blood tests to measure:

• Total testosterone

   

• Free testosterone

   

• Other hormones like DHEA-S, LH, and FSH

   

• Blood glucose and insulin levels (to assess for insulin resistance)

   

• Pelvic ultrasound (to check for ovarian cysts, especially in PCOS)

   

Timely diagnosis is crucial to avoid long-term complications like infertility, type 2 diabetes, or endometrial cancer.

Can High Testosterone Affect Female Sexual Health?

Yes, it can. While some testosterone is necessary for maintaining female libido, too much of it can lead to:

• Irregular or absent ovulation

   

• Vaginal dryness

   

• Difficulty achieving orgasm

   

• Hormonal acne that may reduce confidence in sexual situations

   

Interestingly, medications like Cenforce 120, commonly used for erectile dysfunction in men, act on blood flow and PDE5 enzymes. While Cenforce 120 is not approved for female sexual dysfunction, some studies are exploring how similar PDE5 inhibitors may benefit women with arousal disorders, highlighting the hormonal overlap between male and female sexual function.

Treatment Options for High Testosterone in Women

Managing high testosterone in women involves treating the root cause. Your healthcare provider will tailor the treatment based on your symptoms and lab results.

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss: Shedding excess pounds can reduce insulin resistance and testosterone production

   

• Dietary adjustments: Focus on whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein while avoiding processed sugars

   

• Exercise: Regular workouts improve insulin sensitivity and help balance hormones

   

2. Medications

• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen production

   

• Anti-androgens: Medications like spironolactone block the effects of excess testosterone

   

• Metformin: Commonly used for insulin resistance and PCOS

   

• Steroid therapy: In cases like CAH

   

3. Natural Supplements

Some women opt for herbal supplements like spearmint tea, zinc, or vitex (chasteberry). However, these should only be used under medical guidance.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated High Testosterone

If left unmanaged, high testosterone can have serious consequences over time, including:

• Infertility

   

• Type 2 Diabetes

   

• High cholesterol

   

• Sleep apnea

   

• Endometrial hyperplasia

   

• Emotional distress or depression

   

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing these long-term effects.

Conclusion: Understanding the Bigger Picture

Hormones are powerful, and even slight imbalances can lead to significant physical and emotional symptoms. High testosterone in women is a complex condition with multiple causes, but it is manageable with the right combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, or mood swings, it’s time to talk to your doctor and request hormone testing.

While testosterone for women is essential in small amounts, too much can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Fortunately, awareness is growing, and treatment options are more effective than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions