The Role of Testosterone in Women’s Mental Health and Menopause

High Testosterone Levels in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and More

Regular exercise has been shown to decrease stress levels and can help with weight management. Read our article on top nutrition tips for improved sports performance. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Try exercising regularly with about 30 minutes of light to moderate daily exercise. Also, try eating whole, nutrient-dense foods to lose weight or ensure you get the nutrients you need. Testosterone triggers the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during fetal development. In more severe cases of testosterone imbalances in women, high testosterone can cause infertility and obesity. Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist to address any emotional or psychological effects of hormonal imbalances. Keep a journal of your symptoms to identify patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. If you’re struggling to catch Zzzs, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bed.

With combination therapy, often antiandrogens can be discontinued or tapered over time, with continuation of oral contraception as monotherapy. Although data are unclear, consider monitoring potassium levels if patients taking spironolactone have medical comorbidities that affect renal function. Management should be individualized based on spironolactone dose and other comorbidities. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders seen in people AFAB and a leading cause of infertility. In fact, some of the criteria to diagnose PCOS include signs of excess androgens. [4] If someone does have PCOS, they may also experience irregular periods, obesity, darkened skin, cystic ovaries, and other symptoms. There is no way to cure PCOS, but there are many ways to manage the condition.

If you think you may have symptoms of low testosterone or excess testosterone, talk to your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that the normal ranges for testosterone levels can vary based on the type of blood test done and the laboratory where it is done. Your provider will always reference your laboratory’s normal ranges when interpreting your results.

It also increases the risk of other health conditions, especially type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a key feature of PCOS and can easily develop into diabetes over time. There is no cure for PCOS, but it is possible to manage the symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. Your health care provider may also ask you a series of questions in relation to your menstrual cycle, libido, and mood changes. If your doctor suspects PCOS, they may perform a pelvic ultrasound examination to identify any abnormalities. Another side effect that can be a more significant cause for concern would be developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. This condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance and is often linked to higher levels of testosterone.

Serum and salivary testosterone levels in relation to female athletic performance. In women during the reproductive years, the two sources of androgens are male testosterone levels dropping the adrenal glands and ovaries (Figure 1). Testosterone is then converted by 5-α reductase to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) both in the granulosa cell of the ovary and in peripheral tissues such as the skin.

The most common causes of high testosterone levels in people with vulvas are hirsutism, PCOS, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In women and people assigned female-at-birth, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone production is age-dependent and it gradually declines with age. Symptoms of androgen excess are quite common among adolescents and can have a substantial effect on self-esteem and emotional well-being. Among adolescents presenting with these symptoms, it is a challenge to distinguish physiologic changes of puberty from PCOS.

However, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your hormonal balance, it’s best to seek medical attention. This is essential for restoring balance to your hormones and keeping testosterone levels in check. It’s generally recommended to aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to support healthy testosterone levels (and overall health). Studies have shown that women who consume enough zinc can have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. When the hormone is out of balance, it can cause changes in metabolism and hunger levels, leading to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.

This also happens if you have your ovaries removed or damaged before age 40, resulting in early menopause. The effects of low testosterone in women have been greatly debated over many years. Firstly, and most importantly there is no blood level that can be used as a cut-off to “diagnose” low testosterone in women. However, due to this risk, you should not take licorice root without first talking to your doctor. Note that licorice candy is often flavored artificially, so eating it will not help your hormone levels. Licorice root has been specifically demonstrated to lower serum testosterone in women.

“The best way to get help is to meet with your doctor, find the cause, and come up with a treatment plan that is specific for each patient,” Frederick says. Depending on the situation, your doctor may prescribe other medications such as spironolactone or metformin, Frederick says. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.