What causes high testosterone in women?

While testosterone is considered a male sex hormone, females produce small amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. High levels can be caused by certain conditions and may affect physical appearance and overall health. Together with the female sex hormone estrogen, testosterone plays a role in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass. These hormones also influence behavior. In this article, learn about conditions that cause high testosterone in females, as well as about symptoms and treatment. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. ‘Normal’ testosterone levels According to the American Urology Association, average blood levels of testosterone in males are at least 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Females secrete much lower amounts, with average levels considered to be between 15 and 70 ng/dL. The level of hormones produced in the body varies each day and throughout the day. However, testosterone levels are generally highest in the morning. Symptoms of high testosterone in females Symptoms of high testosterone in females may include mood changes, a deep voice, thinning hair, and acne. Image credit: iStock Testosterone imbalances in females can affect their physical appearance and overall health. Symptoms of high testosterone in females includeTrusted Source: acne deep voice excess hair on the face and body increased muscle mass irregular periods larger-than-average clitoris loss of libido mood changes reduction in breast size thinning hair Severely high levels of testosterone in females can cause obesity and infertility. Causes of high testosterone in females High testosterone in females is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, such as: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) CAH is the term given to a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands. These glands secreteTrusted Source the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which play a role in managing metabolism and blood pressure. The adrenal glands also produce the male sex hormones DHEA and testosterone. People with CAH lack one of the enzymes necessary to regulate the production of these hormones, so they secrete too little cortisol and too much testosterone. CAH may be mild (nonclassic CAH) or severe (classic CAH). Symptoms in females includeTrusted Source: deep voice early appearance of pubic hair enlarged clitoris excess body hair facial hair irregular or absent menstrual periods severe acne shorter height as an adult after rapid childhood growth While there is no cure for CAH, most people with the condition can receive treatment that will reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Hirsutism Hirsutism is characterized by unwanted hair growth in females. It is a hormonal condition thought to be linked to genetics. Symptoms include male-pattern hair growth that is dark and coarse. It typically affects the: back chest face In cases of excessively high testosterone, other symptoms will also be present, includingTrusted Source: acne balding deepening voice enlarged clitoris increased muscle mass reduced breast size Home remedies and medical treatments help many people control the symptoms of hirsutism. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects females of reproductive age. It is estimated that PCOS affects between 6–12%Trusted Source of people in the United States. People are not usually diagnosed until they are in their 20s and 30s. However, children as young as 11 years old can be affected. Symptoms of PCOS includeTrusted Source: enlarged ovaries that develop follicles and do not release eggs regularly excess body hair irregular, infrequent, or long menstrual periods PCOS may leadTrusted Source to several health complications, including: depression heart disease infertility miscarriage obesity sleep apnea type 2 diabetes Doctors do not know what causes PCOS, although excess insulin and genetics may playTrusted Source a role.