How Common is Naturally High Testosterone in Women?

Women’s Testosterone Levels Rise Even When They Just Act Like They Have Power U-M LSA Department of Psychology

In contrast, a normal range syringe for testosterone women is between 15 and 70 ng/dL.(7)(8) However, testosterone blood tests can produce varied results from one day to the next and are not required for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Depending on the cause of your high testosterone, certain lifestyle changes may improve testosterone levels and related symptoms. For example, minor weight loss has been shown to greatly improve PCOS symptoms. [5] Speak with your provider about your current lifestyle habits and what changes you can make to improve your overall health. A few options may include increasing physical activity, eating a more balanced diet, drinking more water, etc.

If you have high levels of testosterone, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to learn about treatment options. In some cases, hormone therapy or medication can help restore your levels to a normal range. Testosterone (T) is a crucial sex hormone that’s most well known for stimulating puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair growth and sperm production, in people with penises. Studies suggest that regular consumption can reduce hirsutism (excess hair growth) and improve overall hormonal balance. By reducing testosterone levels, it helps manage symptoms such as acne and unwanted hair growth. If you suspect that your testosterone levels are imbalanced, talk to a healthcare professional at Thrivelab about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This holistic treatment can help restore balance and reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you have high levels of testosterone, you may experience heavy, irregular periods or even missed periods. This is because testosterone can disrupt the delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone. If this is a recurring problem, it’s important that you seek medical advice. Regular exercise and strength training can help support your muscles, but testosterone is just as important.

Testosterone levels are too carefully controlled by the brain for that to occur. Macintosh et al. (152) also reported that Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age females had notably strong upper limbs with CSG properties closely matching the values observed in modern semi-elite female rowers. Robust upper bodies and strengthened humeri were also documented in Pottery Mound (700–500 YBP) females from New Mexico, USA (153).

But it’s important to see your provider right away if you have sudden symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Exercise can improve insulin resistance and fertility in people with PCOS. Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is recommended for a total of 150 minutes weekly. Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises are also encouraged. People with PCOS should consult a nutritionist on how to design their diet to support weight loss and overall health and naturally lower testosterone levels.

There are various conditions that cause fluctuations in female hormone levels. Some of the leading causes of high testosterone levels in women are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), thyroid problems, and insulin resistance. Testosterone, while often connected to men’s health, is an essential hormone for both men and women. In women, testosterone is primarily made in the ovaries and much of the hormone is converted to estrogen. [1] The body uses this converted testosterone to regulate menstruation, aid in conception and pregnancy, minimize bone loss, stimulate hair growth, and more. [2] Unfortunately, having low or high levels of testosterone can lead to some negative health effects. We describe a case of a childbearing-age woman who was referred for investigation of secondary amenorrhea, infertility, and extremely high serum testosterone levels without virilization signs.

While women naturally produce less testosterone than men, some women struggle with high testosterone levels. Along with estrogen, testosterone helps to grow and maintain women’s bones and reproductive tissues. With the recent controversy surrounding South African Olympian Caster Semenya, many are beginning to wonder how common it is for women to have naturally high testosterone levels. Even with the advancement of hormone-testing technology, testosterone is still broadly considered a “male-only” hormone, despite its natural production in the ovaries.

We suspected laboratory interference in the testosterone test, prompting a reevaluation of both laboratory procedures and imaging of the ovarian mass. The main limitation of this study is that although the reviews conducted are systematic, and thus unbiased regarding the hypotheses addressed, they are not exhaustive, nor have the findings been subject to meta-analyses. As such, further studies would be needed for more detailed, and functionally in-depth, analyses for any specific hypothesis of the many addressed here. ‍Hormonal change is at the root of dozens of symptoms women experience in the years before and after their period stops. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and want guidance from clinicians who specialize in women’s midlife health, book a virtual visit with Midi today. Certain healthy habits, like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and prioritizing sleep, can help lower testosterone. There are also some supplements that may be able to help, such as spearmint and licorice root.