Diabetes and Sex Issues: Low Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and More

High Testosterone in Women: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

After menopause, women may experience low testosterone levels, which can lead to a decrease in sex drive, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth on their face, chest, or back. Treatment usually involves hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication to regulate insulin levels. In a female body, testosterone (and estrogen) helps maintain bone and muscle mass, influences libido, and plays a role in mood regulation. However, when levels of testosterone become too high in women, it can lead to various physical, mental, and emotional changes. In most cases, high testosterone levels in women are usually due to an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Having a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough exercise could cause testosterone levels to rise above normal for women. Your adrenal glands produce small amounts of the androgen hormone testosterone, and any dysfunction with them could create imbalances of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Research into the complications of diabetes has found that insulin resistance can result in an excess of androgen hormones in women. It might manifest as irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation, which is the absence of ovulation, making it difficult for you to conceive. Glucocorticoids are substances that reduce testosterone levels in the body. Hence, they may be prescribed to reverse high testosterone effects in women. So, visit a gynecologist to maintain optimal menstrual health and fertility.

In addition, longitudinal studies should investigate the effects of GAHT in trans men and trans women in more detail and over a longer period of time in order to appreciate the effects sex hormones have on human immunity. Interestingly, a recent study by Stülb et al. investigating acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice highlighted that IL-22, a key cytokine in liver regeneration, is produced at higher levels in female mice compared with males. Furthermore, they demonstrated that testosterone reduced IL-22 production in female, but not male, splenocytes (43). This suggests that testosterone modulates T cell responses in a sex-dependent manner, potentially influencing the course of liver injury and immune-mediated diseases. Furthermore, our ex vivo stimulation experiments (Supplemental Figure 4B) revealed tendencies for decreased release of signature Th1 and Th17 cytokines following testosterone versus estrogen treatment. These findings warrant further exploration to establish the robustness of these effects. As a result, we observed significant effect sizes (ESs) for hormonal responses, particularly testosterone.

Symptoms may include hirsutism (excess hair growth), acne, deepening of the voice, and male pattern hair loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is another medical condition that can lead to increased testosterone levels in women. CAH is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands, causing them to produce more androgens (including testosterone) than normal. This can result in virilization, which is the development of male characteristics in females.

These results are consistent with previous studies56, which reported that testosterone levels peak in the early recovery period following exhaustive endurance exercise but significantly decrease after 24 h. Similarly, Lane et al.14 observed acute testosterone elevations in response to physical activity in women, suggesting that this transient increase may be linked to physiological adaptations enhancing performance and recovery. Additionally, Baydil57 reported that exhausting exercise affects the total testosterone profile in females, further supporting the observed fluctuations in our study. While many scientific studies and huge amounts of data show the safety of supplemental testosterone in postmenopausal women, only about 50% of women who take it experience a significant increase in sex drive. That’s because while testosterone plays a big role in pumping up sexual desire, it is far from the only thing that drives libido, which means that if yours is lacking, low testosterone may not be your issue. Desire for sexual activity also depends on neurotransmitters, blood flow to the genitals, and the ability to experience sexual pleasure.

It is advisable to get tested by a healthcare professional for accurate measurement and interpretation. Among the various high testosterone causes, Cushing Syndrome is another likely candidate. It is a disorder that affects the adrenal glands, resulting in the overproduction of cortisol and androgens. The symptoms include weight gain around the face, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, and skin that bruises easily. Along with the female hormone estrogen, testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining good bone and tissue health in women.

Cells and supernatants were harvested on day 4 and analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Cell staining was performed using the eBioscience Foxp3/Transcription Factor Staining Buffer Set (eBioscience). Supernatants were analyzed using ELISA for IL-17A, IL-22 and IFNgamma (both R&D Systems) according to the according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

As a result, it creates comedones, a plug in the pores that encourages bacteria to grow and cause inflammation as well as acne lesions(1). People who are or think they may be experiencing high testosterone symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the cause and determine the best course of treatment. Doctors may also prescribe oral contraceptives, as this treatment helps block excess testosterone. They will also inquire about menstrual cycle abnormalities and attempts at pregnancy. Home remedies and medical treatments help many people control the symptoms of hirsutism. Thrivelab is a telehealth-based provider of evidence-based hormone and testosterone balancing programs as well as natural bioidentical products to alleviate age-related symptoms and restore youthful vitality.

These include daily exercise, a protein-rich diet, stress management, and getting enough sleep. Along with the treatment, you can lower your sugar and fat intake, exercise daily, reduce stress, and consume more protein. Together, these practices may help you improve your hormonal health in a week, but you must follow them for a longer duration for sustained benefits. Consult a doctor on how to lower testosterone in women to improve your mood swings. For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to people born with the reproductive organs typical for females (such as a vagina, uterus, and ovaries). This definition does not take into account their gender or gender identity. Much like self-diagnosis, treating high testosterone in women can harm your health, especially if medications are involved.

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. Women with high levels of the hormone may experience an increase in sex drive, or they may experience the opposite – a decrease in libido.