The ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone in women. The Aphrodite Women's Health website suggests that women normally produce around 14 percent of the amount of testosterone that men make. A "Psychology Today" article indicates that women who develop polycystic ovaries may have high testosterone levels and masculinized features. The article also notes an apparent incidence of lesbianism in PCOS women and suggests that these masculinized symptoms may effect sexual identity and desire.
Hairiness
Women that have excess testosterone may grow more body hair. High levels of testosterone in women are associated with hair growth that may grow coarser or thicker than usual. "A Hormone Help Center" by Dr. Geoffrey Redmond indicates that facial and body hair growth results from androgen hormones like testosterone. Redmond suggests that rising androgen levels during puberty correspond with increasing hair growth that may begin on the genitals and underarms, then followed by abdomen and upper lip.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or POSC, occurs with enlarged ovaries that have numerous small cysts along their outer edge. The Mayo Clinic website suggests that POSC is common among women of reproductive age. A Psychology Today article indicates high testosterone levels usually accompany POSC in women.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that features inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands which secret epidermal oils. Oily skin increases the risk of developing acne. Signs of high testosterone levels in women may include oily skin or acne.
Changes in Body Shape
According to a study published in the "Annals of Clinical Biochemistry" reveals that higher testosterone levels in women may correspond with abdominal obesity and "high fasting" glucose. The "Endocrine Review" published a study that suggests PCOS may correlate with insulin resistance in women. An article on Rx Muscle suggests that women with hormone imbalances that include elevated testosterone may have poor insulin sensitivity, which contributes to weight gain. The Natural Hormones website suggests that excess testosterone promotes redistribution of fat and muscle tissue growth in women and extreme incidences of high testosterone can cause elongation or enlargement of the clitoris.
Depression
Normal levels of testosterone in women attribute feelings of confidence and sexual arousal. Higher confidence and arousal may coincide with high testosterone levels, but excessive testosterone may promote irritability, hostility or depression. The Natural Hormones site suggests that high testosterone levels correspond with the incidence of premenstrual syndrome or PMS, postpartum depression and depression in women.
Androgenic Alopecia
High levels of testosterone can cause androgenic alopecia in women. Angdrogenic alopecia is pattern baldness that occurs in males. Women with androgenic alopecia experience hair thinning on the scalp. The American Hair Loss Association website suggests that diffuse hair thinning throughout the scalp occurs with androgenic alopecia in women.
Deep Voice
A woman with high testosterone levels may develop a more baritone voice. High levels of exogenous testosterone can change the tone of a woman's voice. The Ergo Log website published an article that reports on a Stanford University Medical School study, which indicates that a high levels of testosterone developed a heavier larynx and promoted a shift to deeper vocal tonality.
