The sex steroid testosterone plays an important role in human physiology and behavior. Typically considered a masculine hormone, it also affects the health of women. Age and disease can alter testosterone levels, creating abundant amounts that may cause medical conditions. These problems are easy to identify as women with excessive testosterone usually exhibit clear signs and symptoms.
Reproductive Dysfunction
Women with high testosterone levels often experience menstrual irregularity. These changes include the loss of ovulation and menses which can negatively impact reproductive health. A clinical investigation by M. Fanta and co-workers published in the March 2008 edition of the medical journal "Gynecological Endocrinology" assessed younger women with unusually large amounts of testosterone. Five of the eight women tested in this study had irregular menstrual cycles. Each woman was diagnosed with nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia. While not fatal, this condition may require extended use of prescription medications.
Excess Body Hair
Females with excessive testosterone typically display excessive hair growth. Hair often appears on the face and chest of such women. This condition, known as hirsutism, may indefinitely resist treatment. A scientific report by R. S. Legro and colleagues in the Sept. 8, 2010, issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" looked at the relationship between testosterone levels and hirsutism scores in women with polycystic ovary disease. The results indicated a positive correlation between the two variables: Women with the highest testosterone levels also had the most body hair.
Skin Problems
Younger women displaying abundant testosterone usually have oily skin and acne vulgaris. While largely cosmetic, these changes can lead to skin damage, such as permanent scarring. A clinical study by K. H. Kelekci and associates published in the July 2010 edition of the "International Journal of Dermatology" analyzed the testosterone levels of younger women with acne. These patients had significantly higher levels of testosterone relative to control subjects. They also had a much greater incidence of polycystic ovary disease.
Vocal Changes
Older women typically experience an increase in testosterone following menopause. This change can lead to the acquisition of male qualities such as a deeper voice. A 2010 review by A. Raj and co-workers published in the "Journal of Voice" describes how testosterone affects vocal characteristics. The pitch deepens whenever the hormone increases. This change is especially apparent after menopause when testosterone remains high.
A single-subject report by Shihas Salim and associates published in the May 18, 2009, issue of "Cases Journal" illustrates testosterone's effect on vocal tone. A 40-year-old woman with elevated testosterone levels had a deeper voice following the appearance of an ovarian tumor. The patient's voice returned to its normal pitch following surgical removal of the tumor. The surgery also reduced circulating testosterone to normal levels.
References
- "Gynecological Endocrinology"; Prevalence of Nonclassic Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCAH) in Hyperandrogenic Women; M. Fanta et al.; March 2008
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Total Testosterone Assays in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Precision and Correlation with Hirsutism; R. S. Legro et al.; Sept. 8, 2010
- "International Journal of Dermatology"; Ovarian Morphology and Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Reproductive Aged Women with or without Mild Acne; K. H. Kelekci et al.; July 2010
- "Journal of Voice"; A Study of Voice Changes in Various Phases of Menstrual Cycle and in Postmenopausal Women; A. Raj et al.; May 2010
- "Cases Journal": Virilizing Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor in a 40 Year Old South Indian Female
