High testosterone in females: Causes, symptoms, and normal levels Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What causes high testosterone in women Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Jayne Leonard — Updated on August 28, 2022While 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 femalesShare on PinterestSymptoms 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 include:acnedeep voiceexcess hair on the face and bodyincreased muscle massirregular periodslarger-than-average clitorisloss of libidomood changesreduction in breast sizethinning 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 secrete 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 include:deep voiceearly appearance of pubic hairenlarged clitorisexcess body hairfacial hairirregular or absent menstrual periodssevere acneshorter 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:backchestface In cases of excessively high testosterone, other symptoms will also be present, including:acnebaldingdeepening voiceenlarged clitorisincreased muscle massreduced 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% 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 include:enlarged ovaries that develop follicles and do not release eggs regularlyexcess body hairirregular, infrequent, or long menstrual periods PCOS may lead to several health complications, including:depressionheart diseaseinfertilitymiscarriageobesitysleep apneatype 2 diabetes Doctors do not know what causes PCOS, although excess insulin and genetics may play a role. Diagnosis of high testosterone in femalesShare on PinterestA doctor may order a blood sample to diagnose high testosterone in females. Image credit: Shutterstock A doctor can diagnose high testosterone in females based on the following: Physical examination During a physical examination, the doctor will look for symptoms such as:acneexcess body hairfacial hair growth They will also inquire about:libidomenstrual cycle abnormalitiesmood changes If PCOS is suspected, the doctor may visually and manually examine the pelvic region to look for abnormalities. Blood test If symptoms suggest high testosterone levels, the doctor will take a blood sample and have hormone levels tested. They may also check glucose and cholesterol levels. Usually, the blood will be drawn in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. Ultrasound To check for PCOS, the doctor may perform an ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus. Treatment of high testosterone in females The treatment recommended for high testosterone will depend on its underlying cause. Typically, a doctor will recommend both lifestyle changes and medication. Some treatments may also be used to control unwanted hair. Medication High testosterone and associated conditions can be treated with the following medications:Eflornithine: This is a cream applied directly to the skin that slows the growth of new facial hair.Glucocorticosteroids: This is a type of steroid hormone that reduces inflammation in the body.Metformin: This is a treatment for type 2 diabetes, which is sometimes used to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in people with PCOS.Progestin: This is a hormone that may regulate periods and improve fertility.Spironolactone: This is a diuretic that helps balance water and salt levels and reduces excessive female hair growth. Oral contraceptives may also be prescribed, as this treatment helps to block excess testosterone. According to a 2019 review, pairing oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin with antiandrogens and metformin may be most effective for the treatment of hirsutism. However, keep in mind that oral contraceptives may not be suitable for people who are trying to get pregnant, and they can also cause adverse side effects. Hair removal treatmentsShare on PinterestLaser therapy may help to control unwanted hair. Image credit: Gilaxia/iStock Both electrolysis and laser therapy may be used to control unwanted hair. However, these treatments will not resolve an underlying hormonal imbalance.Electrolysis: This involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle. A pulse of electric current travels through the needle and damages the follicle so that it cannot grow new hair. Multiple treatments may be required.Laser therapy: During this treatment, laser light is applied to the hair follicles to damage them. Again, multiple treatments may be required. Note that these hair removal treatments can cause adverse reactions and may have other associated risks. Anyone with a hormonal imbalance should speak with a doctor before trying medical treatments for excess hair growth. Lifestyle changes Some lifestyle changes can reduce high testosterone in females, while others simply manage symptoms. Here are a few lifestyle changes that may be beneficial:Reach and maintain a moderate weight: Some research shows that losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve fertility, help to balance menstrual cycles, and reduce symptoms in people with PCOS.Follow a balanced diet: A person can improve symptoms of PCOS by following a nutritious, well-rounded diet and limiting their intake of foods high in sugar, refined carbs, saturated fat, and trans fat.Manage unwanted hair growth: A person can choose to treat their facial and body hair growth by plucking, shaving, waxing, or using chemical depilatories. Others bleach their hair to make it less visible. Takeaway High testosterone in females can cause a range of symptoms, from excess facial hair to infertility, and is usually caused by an underlying medical condition. Treating the underlying disorder will often reduce symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. People who are or think they may be experiencing high testosterone symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the cause and to determine the best course of treatment. Last medically reviewed on August 28, 2022DermatologyWomen's Health / Gynecology 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.About spironolactone. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/spironolactone/about-spironolactone/Barnes, P. J. (2017). Glucocorticosteroids [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27796513/Ebell, M. H., et al. (2019). Oral contraceptives and antiandrogens most effective for hirsutism pharmacotherapy.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0101/p55.htmlEdwards, M., et al. (2022). Progestin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563211/Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hirsutism/Faghfoori, Z., et al. (2017). Nutritional management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A review study [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28416368/Hafsi, W., et al. (2021). Hirsutism.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470417/Low testosterone. (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosteroneMomodu, I. I., et al. (2022). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448098/Nassar, G. N., et al. (2022). Physiology, testosterone.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/Na-Young Kang, C., et al. (2021). Hair removal practices: A literature review.https://www.skintherapyletter.com/dermatology/hair-removal-practices/PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.htmlPolycystic ovary syndrome. (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndromeRasquin Leon, L. I., et al. (2022). Polycystic ovarian disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/Ryan, D. H., et al. (2017). Weight loss and improvement in comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and over.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497590/Testosterone test. (2018).https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/testosterone-testTotal testosterone. (n.d.).https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_totalTreatment. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Jayne Leonard — Updated on August 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about hirsutismMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Hirsutism is when hair grows in unusual areas of a woman's face and body, such as the face or back, or at an unusual density and thickness. It usually…READ MOREHow polycystic ovary syndrome affects fertilityMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT PCOS is a disorder where small fluid-filled cysts form in the ovaries, leading to an imbalance in female sex hormones. Symptoms can include…READ MOREWhat is benign prostatic hyperplasia?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate. It is not cancer, but it can block the passage of urine and cause other urinary…READ MOREWhy do we need testosterone?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD Testosterone is a sex hormone that regulates sexual development, muscle mass, and red blood cell production. It originates mainly in the testicles and…READ MORE