Testosterone, the sex hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in both men and women, is essential for general health and the sexual function of a woman's body. As women age and enter into menopause, they experience many hormonal changes that may result in imbalances. According to Dr. Geoffrey Redmond, author of "It's Your Hormones," testosterone is the most problematic sex hormone for women, especially when levels are too high. The unwelcome side effects are thinning hair, deepening voice, increased hair growth on the face and body and acne. While the causes may vary, the treatment is often the same.
Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
In some cases of high testosterone levels in women, the source of the problem is the adrenal gland, where the hormone is secreted. If the gland is simply secreting too much, the cause may be unknown. According to Natural Hormones, a woman may have a condition known as late onset or non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or NCAH. This condition causes the adrenal gland to secrete the wrong proportions of testosterone. NCAH symptoms include thinning scalp hair, early age of first menstrual cycle and excessive facial hair. These signs usually appear after the onset of menstruation and may come and go throughout adulthood.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women who have irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, infertility problems or outbreaks of acne may have polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. This syndrome is another cause of high levels of testosterone in women. The Mayo Clinic states that PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. According to the clinic's health experts, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to decrease the production of androgens, which are male hormones. A physician may also treat the syndrome with spironolactone, a drug that decreases the effect of androgens on the skin.
Low Estrogen
Another cause of high testosterone levels in women may be low estrogen. Redmond explains that estrogen levels tend to drop with age and during menopause. If estrogen levels are low, testosterone is more freely available and therefore stimulates more cells and leads to an overproduction of testosterone. To treat low estrogen levels, doctors may prescribe hormone replacement therapy or topical creams and gels.
References
- Natural Homones: Causes of Testosterone Imbalance
- Mayo Clinic: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- "It's Your Hormones: The Complete Women's Guide"; Geoffrey Redmond, M.D.; 2005
- Cares Foundation: Non Classical (NCAH)/Late Onset Adrenal Hyperplasia
