Women with extreme testosterone production can have serious underlying medical conditions, including the formation of cysts. A testosterone level above 50 ng/dl is considered slightly elevated, and above 100 ng/dl, signals some form of hyperandrogenism, according to the website Keratin. Many of the medical conditions associated with an overproduction of testosterone are hereditary; seek medical attention if you have a family history and if you are experiencing any symptoms related to high levels of testosterone.
Significance
The ovaries, located on each side of the uterus, are about the shape and size of an almond. One of the primary functions of the ovaries is egg development and releasing mature eggs during childbearing years. Sometimes cysts develop on the ovaries because of hormone imbalances and other underlying conditions. Although some cysts are serious and need medical treatment, most cysts are harmless, no symptoms are present and they often disappear on their own within a few months, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Hormones
The pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, produces hormones that signal the ovaries to produce the female sex hormones progesterone and estrogen. The ovaries also produce a small amount of androgen testosterone. The pancreas produces insulin; having high levels of of insulin could cause an overproduction of testosterone in the ovaries, according to the Center of Young Women's Health.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
One condition in which an imbalance of hormones leads to small cysts on the ovaries is polycystic ovary syndrome. The development of eggs in the ovaries relies heavily on the balance of hormones. According to Medline Plus, if your body produces too much androgen testosterone and not enough of the other hormones, the eggs do not mature correctly and are not released from the ovaries. The follicles in which the eggs develop never break open, which leads to fluid buildup and the formation of cysts in the ovary.
Considerations
Other symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include acne and increased hair growth on the body. This is a result of too much testosterone production; hair follicles and skin cells are much more sensitive to the increase of testosterone associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, according to the Center of Young Women's Health.
Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic website, treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome include taking birth control pills to regulate the menstrual periods, anti-androgen medication that reduces testosterone production, treatment for infertility and medications that can lower the levels of insulin production. All these treatments slow the excess testosterone production. Diet and exercise also play an important role and can help yield positive results.
