High testosterone in women is an underlying medical problem that can lead to infertility. Such high testosterone levels in women may cause polycystic ovaries or PCOS. Doctors may prescribe hormone therapy, surgery, or oral contraceptives if treatment fails to provide a permanent cure.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, controls the metabolism of androgens and testosterone. In women, TSH mediates the level of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that regulates the balance between free and bound testosterone. Studies have demonstrated a link between low thyroid-stimulating hormone and depressive symptoms in hypothyroid women. In addition, low TSH and testosterone are associated with reduced sexuality and depression in non-disabled women.
It is important to note that many doctors fail to recognize hypothyroidism in women. Moreover, many physicians tend to ignore this disorder, even though it affects more women than men. As a result, many patients are left wondering if it’s all in their heads or if their symptoms result from working too hard, being too old, or even taking antidepressants.
Type 2 diabetes
The relationship between high testosterone levels and type 2 diabetes has long been known, but the connection between the two is not entirely clear. The two hormones have opposite causative mechanisms, but they play similar roles in metabolic target tissues in males and females. These findings suggest that both hormones may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. A recent study also showed that high testosterone levels in women were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, even among women with no other established comorbidity.
Acne
There are many possible reasons for acne, including hormone imbalance or PCOS, which may occur in women. In some cases, elevated testosterone levels result from a condition called adrenal hyperplasia. The adrenal glands are the body’s primary hormone producers, and when they are overactive, they produce excessive amounts of testosterone. Excess testosterone results in acne, which may also lead to other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, including behavioral masculinization and excessive body hair.
While the body produces more testosterone than estrogen, this hormone imbalance can lead to acne in women. The excess testosterone may cause a clogged sebaceous gland, which produces oil around hair follicles. In addition, excess sebum can clog pores, leading to acne.
Ovarian failure
Women’s ovarian failure and high testosterone levels can be related to inherited disorders and physical characteristics. While severe testosterone levels in women may lead to infertility and obesity, milder levels may only affect physical appearance. Women with CAH, or cystic ovarian hyperplasia, have an underactive adrenal gland that secretes male sex hormones such as testosterone. These disorders can be mild or severe and can result in symptoms such as increased muscle mass and acne.
High testosterone in women indicates a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause an irregular menstrual cycle and infertility. Testing for testosterone levels is a common way to diagnose PCOS and investigate the causes of infertility. Women with high testosterone levels may have cysts on their ovaries or not, which will depend on the exact diagnosis.
