In men, testosterone is created in the testes and in females, it is mainly created in the ovaries. Testosterone levels in the body determine when puberty arrives in boys and also controls sexuality in men. In women, if testosterone levels are above normal, the body changes and will exhibit male pattern appearance, according to the National Institutes of Health website Medline Plus.
Fatty Foods
A regular high intake of fatty foods causes testosterone levels in the body to get increase, reports MedlinePlus. Eating commercially prepared foods or fast foods, which contain high levels of fat will contribute to an increase in testosterone level. Certain high-fat items such as french fries, fried chicken, potato chips, dips, meats, bacon and hot dogs will create an ongoing increase in testosterone levels if eaten regularly.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, causes the ovaries to increase production of testosterone in girls and women. This often results in enlarged ovaries, excess hair growth, acne, increase in weight and irregular periods. Around 5 to 10 percent of female teens and young women have PCOS, notes GirlsHealth.gov.
Ovarian Steroid Stem Cell Tumor
Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare, with the incidence lower than 0.1 percent of total ovarian tumors, according to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in India. This type of tumor increases testosterone levels in the body. It also causes male pattern changes in the female body such as hair growth and irregularities in menstrual cycles. Upon removal of the tumor, testosterone levels in the body will start to decrease.
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids is another possible cause of increased testosterone levels. This substance is a synthetic drug that has an effect on the body similar to natural testosterone. Anabolic androgenic steroids will increase male hormones and muscles in men. In females, they will raise testosterone levels resulting in problems such as male pattern baldness, an enlarged clitoris and a deeper voice, notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
