High Testosterone Levels in Women
A combination of treatments often can balance excess testosterone
Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD
Women experiencing symptoms such as unwanted facial hair, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, or hair loss may have higher-than-average testosterone levels. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
More often than not, elevated testosterone levels in women are caused by underlying health conditions, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the most common. Other conditions that lead to high testosterone levels include congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ovarian tumors.
This article will review the effects of high testosterone in women and common underlying health concerns. It'll also cover effective, natural treatments, like diet and herbs, to manage distressing symptoms and rebalance your testosterone levels.
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Terminology
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 not take into account their gender or gender identity.
Effects of High Testosterone in Women
Testosterone is an important androgen hormone (also known as a sex hormone) that exists in people of any sex at different levels. People assigned male at birth have about 15 times more testosterone after puberty than those assigned female.
A male's testosterone is produced in the testes and is responsible for a deep voice, sex drive, sperm production, hair, and muscle growth. For women, testosterone is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands and plays an important role in fertility, sex drive, and bone strength.
From unwanted hair growth to low libido, high testosterone in women can show up in a lot of distressing and unwanted ways.
Here is a list of symptoms to look for if you suspect you have high testosterone:
Hirsutism (excess body hair on the upper lip, chin, jaw, chest, and back)
Acne or oily skin
Irregular menstrual cycles
Enlarged clitoris
Infertility
Weight gain
Blood sugar issues
Changes in mood (anxiety and depression)
Muscle mass increase
Voice deepening
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, set up an exam with a healthcare provider right away to discuss hormonal issues, underlying conditions, and treatments.
Conditions That May Cause High Testosterone in Women
In most cases, high testosterone is caused by underlying conditions or disorders that impact the body's hormonal balance. Think of high testosterone (and how it presents in your body) as a symptom rather than a diagnosis.
Common underlying conditions that cause high testosterone in women include:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is one of the most common causes of high testosterone in women and is the underlying condition in 3 out of every 4 cases of hirsutism. A classic feature of PCOS is multiple ovarian cysts that cause higher-than-usual levels of androgens, causing symptoms such as weight gain and facial hair.
Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH): The late-onset form of this genetic disorder has similar symptoms to PCOS. It is due to a missing enzyme responsible for producing adequate amounts of key adrenal steroid hormones. The adrenal glands compensate for the missing enzyme by producing more androgen steroid hormones like testosterone.
Adrenal or ovarian tumors: Much like PCOS, tumors that grow on important hormone-producing glands can impact their function and the delicate balance of hormones.
Anabolic steroid misuse: Anabolic steroids are used to treat conditions associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), like loss of muscle, by boosting the production of testosterone. When taken outside of a prescribed medical context (for performance or body enhancement), it can lead to high testosterone levels.
Diagnosis and Management
Treating high testosterone largely depends on the underlying condition. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will look for symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and pelvic pain. They may also ask about changes in mood.
Depending on the exam, they may prescribe a hormone panel blood test to check your testosterone levels and an ultrasound exam for irregularities around your ovaries.
After determining the underlying condition of your high testosterone, a healthcare provider will usually recommend lifestyle adjustments (like food and exercise) as well as medications to treat the condition and rebalance the endocrine system.
Here are a few ways you can naturally lower your testosterone or reduce its effects.
Improve Your Diet
High androgen levels in PCOS can result in a decreased ability to use insulin (a condition known as insulin resistance) to take blood sugar into cells to use for energy. This can lead to increased fat storage, which in turn can increase androgens.
Eating a low-glycemic diet and limiting foods high in sugar and refined carbs can help rebalance your blood sugar levels and get you the nutrition you need. You may also discuss an appropriate weight loss diet with a healthcare provider if you are overweight or have obesity.
You can also try foods such as fatty fish (like salmon), and flaxseed, which some studies show may help lower testosterone in women.
Start an Exercise Plan
Exercise can improve insulin resistance and fertility in people with PCOS. Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is recommended for a total of 150 minutes weekly. Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises are also encouraged.
Aim for a Healthy Weight
A healthy weight can reduce symptoms of PCOS. But it's not always easy to lose weight with this condition because your body is in fat storage mode. If you are overweight or have obesity and also have PCOS, weight loss can help improve fertility and regulate your menstrual cycle. Discuss appropriate weight loss methods with a healthcare provider.
Lean PCOS
Although many people with PCOS are overweight or have obesity, as many as 20% do not fit into this category. This is called lean PCOS.
Herbs
Herbal supplements or teas such as fennel, ginseng, fenugreek, and sweet cumin may help balance hormones in those with PCOS. Herbs such as Cinnamomum cassia and Aloe vera may reduce blood glucose and help restore insulin sensitivity. Ginger is said to boost fertility in those having trouble conceiving due to PCOS.
Use Caution
Before taking any herbal supplements or other over-the-counter (OTC) products aimed at lowering testosterone or directed at people with PCOS, discuss these products with a healthcare provider. Your provider can advise you on ways to avoid interactions with your medications and ensure the supplements are appropriate for you. They also can provide scientific evident on the supplement's safety and efficacy.
Find Self-Care Rituals That Work for You
If you have unwanted hair, you can't reverse what's there. But you can remove the hair by shaving, bleaching, plucking, waxing, or getting laser removal or electrolysis.
If you have acne, see a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. Incorporate recommended OTC products and skin-care regimens to address the problem.
Educate Yourself
Familiarize yourself with what's happening in your body. Learn about how the endocrine system works, how testosterone functions in the body, and how high levels of testosterone impact insulin and blood glucose levels.
Medications to Manage High Female Testosterone
You can also choose to treat high testosterone with a combination of natural remedies and prescription medications, depending on what your healthcare provider recommends. Medications used to treat high testosterone include:
Glucocorticosteroids: These steroid hormones may be used in nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia to suppress androgen production.
Oral birth control (progestin-only or combination): Helps regulate hormone levels and can improve hirsutism.
Aldactone (spironolactone): While it's not intended for the use of PCOS, this diuretic also slows androgen production.
Vaniqa (eflornithine): This cream can be applied directly to the skin to slow the growth of unwanted hair.
Metformin: This type 2 diabetes treatment can be used to treat high blood sugar and insulin levels in people with PCOS. However, it has little effect on androgen levels, hirsutism, or acne.
Can You Completely Balance High Female Testosterone Levels?
Treating the underlying condition causing high testosterone levels will often reduce unwanted symptoms and improve your quality of life. You can balance your hormone levels, but it may require lifetime attention.
PCOS is the most common cause of high testosterone, affecting around 5 million women. It's not a condition you can outgrow, but you can manage symptoms and hormone levels through diet, lifestyle, healthy weight, and medications. NCCAH is rare in adults and also requires long-term treatment.
Resources and Further Reading on Balancing Female Hormones
Hormones play an important role for people of all sexes. They help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, heart rate, metabolism, fertility, and more. When sex hormones are out of balance, many other systems, glands, and hormones can be affected.
Get curious about balancing your hormones by learning how they work and what impacts them. You have control. Healthy lifestyle habits like sleeping well, managing stress, tracking your menstrual cycle, exercising, and eating smart can help.
If you need assistance, seek a nutritionist, fitness trainer, herbalist, holistic practitioner, or healthcare professional.
Summary
Elevated testosterone levels in women are caused by underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Treating high testosterone largely depends on the underlying condition causing it and may require lifelong attention.
You can reduce unwanted symptoms through a low-glycemic diet, hair removal, weight management, and exercise. It's important to seek out a healthcare provider if you think you have high testosterone levels. They can identify the imbalance and find the right mix of treatments for you.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
