Introduction
Testosterone is frequently stated as a “male hormone,” but it plays an important part in a female’s health as well. Though females generally create it in lower quantities than males, several create abnormally high levels because of numerous underlying medical conditions. This imbalance of hormones could result in symptoms like irregular periods, acne, fertility problems, and extreme hair growth. Learning about the triggers, from adrenal disorders to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), needs a drawn-out medical diagnosis. In this blog, you will know why certain women produce high testosterone, how it is detected, and what treatment options are available, providing medical suggestions for a complicated and frequently misapprehended condition.
What Is Testosterone and Its Function in Women?
When we talk about sex hormones, females are fueled by estrogen, and males are fueled by testosterone, correct? Well, everybody produces both. The only difference is that women have higher estrogen, while men have higher testosterone.
Testosterone is an androgen, which is a sex hormone that plays a part in the growth, reproduction, and maintenance of a healthy body. In males, testosterone is mainly formed in the testes. Whereas in the female’s body, it is produced in the ovaries, fat cells, adrenal glands, and skin cells.
Typically, female bodies produce around 1/10th to 1/20th of the quantity of testosterone as male bodies. Testosterone plays an important part in women’s health, impacting several factors of their body and well-being. While testosterone is frequently linked with male characteristics, it is crucial for females’ sexual health and overall health, too. Here are its specific functions:
- Menstrual cycle and fertility
- Mood and energy
- Sexual function and sex desire
- Cognitive function
- Bone and muscle health
- Cardiovascular health
Reasons for Women’s Elevated Testosterone
In most situations, high testosterone in women is typically because of an underlying medical condition, which includes congenital adrenal hyperplasia or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In certain cases, an intersex condition such as androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) can be the reason; thereupon, the individual has hormonal, chromosomal, or physiological sex changes that do not fit into the usual binary definition of female or male. In extreme situations, elevated testosterone in women can be a sign of a more serious medical condition where cancer cells may exist in the adrenal glands, like carcinomas, or ovaries, like Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. Other conditions that can cause this hormonal imbalance in women are thyroid problems, hirsutism, or insulin resistance.
Women’s High Testosterone Symptoms
Elevated levels of testosterone in women could result in a series of hormonal and physical changes that can influence both health and wellness. These modifications frequently appear slowly and could be misidentified for other conditions, making attentiveness important for timely diagnosis. Comprehending the symptoms of high female testosterone levels supports to recognize the underlying conditions and getting the correct medical guidance. Below are some of the most usual symptoms to look out for:
- Balding
- Acne
- Excess body hair, especially on the face
- Enlarged clitoris
- Low sex drive
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Deepening of the voice
- Decreased breast size
- Increased muscle mass
- Changes in mood
- Thinning hair
- Infertility
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
An expert healthcare provider can detect elevated testosterone in women in the following:
Physical examination:
- While having a physical exam, your doctor will look for indications such as excess body hair, acne, and facial hair growth
- Your doctor will also need details about the menstrual cycle abnormalities and trials during pregnancy.
- If the doctors diagnose PCOS, they can manually and visually monitor the pelvic region to search for abnormalities.
Blood test:
If signs show higher testosterone levels, the doctor will request a blood sample and test for hormone levels. Doctors can also monitor cholesterol and glucose levels.
Typically, a healthcare provider will take the patient’s blood sample in the morning when levels of testosterone are the highest.
Treatment Options
Before beginning with any routine to treat high testosterone in women, it’s essential to initially consult a specialist. What treatment the doctor suggests generally depends on what the reason behind high testosterone is. Usually, the doctor will advise to incorporate some lifestyle changes, which include dietary modifications for more satisfying outcomes. The doctor also prescribes medicines and treatments to manage symptoms, like acne or unwanted hair.
Medications can include anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, topical creams, and insulin sensitizers.
Lifestyle changes can include a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and weight management.
Testosterone for Women: Unlocking Muscle-Building Potential
Testosterone performs an essential role in muscle building and entire physical strength in females. Though women’s bodies originally create lower amounts of testosterone, medications can assist in muscle strength, growth, and persistence, specifically in situations of hormonal imbalance. Given medications that can benefit maximizing testosterone and other hormones to improve muscle development in women:
The Impact of High Testosterone on Long-Term Health
Increased testosterone amounts in females could have noticeable, enduring effects on their entire well-being. Although testosterone is important for bone density, muscle growth, and vitality, an excess of testosterone may result in health consequences. Over time, high testosterone in females can contribute to:
- Elevated risk of cancers
- Mental health problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Infertility
- Menstrual cycle abnormalities
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which symptoms of high testosterone in women are present?
Symptoms of high testosterone in women could differ depending on the reason behind it and the intensity of the imbalance. Symptoms include oily skin, acne, excess hair growth, hair thinning, an enlarged clitoris, and much more.
Can high testosterone affect fertility in women?
Increased testosterone levels can interrupt the normal balance of hormones required for ovulation and can lead to infertility.
How is high testosterone diagnosed in women?
High testosterone levels are detected by a combination of laboratory testing and clinical examination, such as medical history & physical exam, imaging tests, or blood tests.
What treatments are available for high testosterone in women?
To choose the suitable treatment for high testosterone in women also depends on the underlying cause. Intensity of symptoms and individual health goals. Several ordinary treatment options are:
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery (in some cases)
- Hair and skin treatments
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