These symptoms may indicate excess testosterone. The problem affects many women

Although testosterone is primarily a male sex hormone, it is also found in women. Both too low and too high a level are bad. High testosterone levels may affect up to 10%. women in Poland, mainly those of reproductive age. Sometimes the problem also appears during menopause. See what tests to perform to check the concentration of this hormone in the body. Also pay attention to the symptoms that accompany it.

What are the symptoms of high testosterone in women?

The most characteristic symptom associated with high testosterone levels in women is excessive hair growth in places typical of male facial hair (hirsutism), for example on the face, chest or buttocks. The hairs are usually black, stiff and very visible, which makes them very embarrassing and forces you to depilate your body frequently. Removing them allows you to get rid of the problem for a while. After some time, hair loss appears again. Often there is even more of it than before the procedure. How else can high excess testosterone in women manifest itself? It is worth paying special attention to symptoms such as:

• menstrual cycle disorders (e.g. irregular periods),

• trouble getting pregnant,

• deterioration of skin condition (acne),

• lowered voice timbre,

• mood swings (irritation, aggression, sudden outbursts of anger or crying),

• increased desire for sweets,

• hair that falls out excessively and becomes greasy quickly,

• discoloration under the arms (the skin is darker and thicker in some places),

• Oily skin,

• increased appetite,

• weight gain (excess fat tissue appears around the abdomen),

• changes in the ovaries,

• fatty liver.

It should be emphasized that high testosterone levels may cause various symptoms. Not every woman will experience the same “set” of symptoms. Not everyone will develop excessive hair growth or acne, for example. However, it is worth remaining vigilant and seeing a doctor if we notice even subtle, disturbing changes.

High testosterone levels in women – treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the hormonal imbalance and high testosterone levels. Hormonal disorders may accompany polycystic ovary syndrome, cancer developing in the female reproductive organs or pathological changes in the adrenal glands (hypertrophy, tumor). Extensive diagnostics are needed to determine the cause of the problem and take appropriate action.

Testosterone level testing in women

Testosterone level testing involves taking blood. It is best to perform them in the morning, on an empty stomach, between the 4th and 10th day of the menstrual cycle. Before performing the test, you should refrain from physical exercise (it may distort the test results).

Testosterone levels are tested by an endocrinologist. To make an appointment with this specialist under the National Health Fund, you need a referral from your general practitioner. You can also arrange a private consultation with an endocrinologist. Its cost usually reaches several dozen or several hundred zlotys (depending on the city). If testosterone levels are tested under the National Health Fund, they are free of charge. Otherwise, the patient must pay several dozen zlotys (the price is set by a given medical facility).