Hormone levels within the body are tightly controlled by a network of tissues that produce and secrete hormones. Hormone levels differ between sexes; women typically have higher estrogen and progesterone, while men have higher testosterone levels. Hormone imbalances, such as excess testosterone in women, can lead to a number of unpleasant side effects that affect the woman's appearance, fertility and overall health. A number of conditions can lead to excess testosterone production, leading to high testosterone levels.
Cushing's Syndrome
One possible cause of high testosterone in a female is Cushing's syndrome, a disease that causes an imbalance of multiple hormones. Cushing's syndrome may develop as a result of a number of underlying conditions, such as an adrenal tumor. The adrenal glands, glands that sit above the kidney, control the secretion of a number of hormones, such as cortisol and androgens like testosterone, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Adrenal tumors lead to the overproduction of hormones, leading to Cushing's syndrome. Patients with Cushing's syndrome develop central obesity and insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The excess adrogen secretion may also lead to the growth of excess body hair.
Drug Use
High testosterone levels in a female may also develop as a side effect of drug use. Drugs such as anabolic steroids mimic testosterone in the body, which can cause symptoms associated with high testosterone levels such as excess muscle and hair growth, acne and a deepening of the voice. In some cases, menopausal or post-menopausal women may also receive testosterone hormone therapy to alleviate the symptoms associated with hormone changes within the body, according to Monash University. Women receiving testosterone implants for menopause should also receive estrogen supplements to prevent the symptoms associated with excess testosterone.
Polycystic Ovaries
Another common cause of high testosterone in a woman is polycystic ovaries, or polycystic ovary disease. Patients with polycystic ovaries fail to menstruate normally, as eggs fail to break away from the ovary and travel down the fallopian tube. As a result, a number of immature eggs housed in cysts remain on the ovaries, preventing proper ovarian function and leading to hormone imbalances. Women with polycystic ovaries typically have abnormally high levels of testosterone and leuteinizing hormone, reports Patient UK. Patients with polycystic ovaries also suffer from missing or irregular periods, obesity, acne, abnormal hair growth and infertility or sterility. Polycystic ovaries can be controlled with hormone therapies to supplement natural hormone levels and restore proper ovulation.
