High testosterone levels in people with vulvas, also known as hyperandrogenism, can result in symptoms such as acne, excess body hair, and mood changes.
Testosterone is a sex hormone that helps send chemical messages throughout the body. While many people may associate the hormone with people with penises, people with vulvas also produce small amounts of it in their ovaries and adrenal glands. It can help to strengthen bones and maintain the healthy function of the ovaries.
However, if a person with a vulva has high testosterone levels, it can lead to symptoms that affect physical appearance and reproductive health.
Learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatment options for high testosterone levels in people with vulvas.
You’ll notice that the language used in this article to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.”
Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity matters when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.
The studies and surveys included didn’t report data on — or include — participants who were:
- transgender
- nonbinary
- gender nonconforming
- genderqueer
- agender
- genderless
| Age (in years) | Testosterone range (in nanograms per deciliter) |
|---|---|
| 7 to 10 | 2.69 to 10.29 |
| 13 to 17 | 16.72 to 31.55 |
| 19+ | 15–70 |
An imbalance of testosterone in females can have damaging effects on sexual and reproductive health.
Too much testosterone can cause symptoms that affect physical appearance, including:
Overly high levels of testosterone can also cause:
- irregular menstrual cycles
- low libido
- changes in mood
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to speak with a doctor.
A doctor will typically perform a physical examination based on your symptoms to determine whether or not you need additional tests. During the examination, they will look for common symptoms, such as :
- abnormal facial hair
- acne
- excess body hair
If your symptoms seem abnormal, a doctor may suggest a testosterone test to measure hormone levels in your blood. To perform this test, a doctor will draw some of your blood and examine it for hormone levels.
The test is typically performed in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. Before performing this test, a doctor may ask you to stop taking any prescriptions that could affect the test results.
Various diseases or hormonal disorders can cause hormonal changes. The
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a hormonal condition that can causes growth of unwanted hair, specifically on the back, face, and chest. The amount of body hair growth is highly dependent on genetics, but this condition is primarily caused by an imbalance of androgen hormones.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal disorder caused by an excess of androgen hormones in people with vulvas. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular or prolonged periods, unwanted body hair growth, and enlarged ovaries that may not function properly. Other common complications of PCOS are:
- infertility
- miscarriage
- type 2 diabetes
- obesity
- endometrial cancer
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a disorder that directly affects the adrenal glands and the production of the body’s hormones. In many cases of CAH, the body overproduces androgen.
Common symptoms of this disorder in people with vulvas include:
- infertility
- masculine characteristics
- early appearance of pubic hair
- severe acne
Treatment for high testosterone depends on the cause but
- glucocorticosteroids
- metformin
- oral contraceptives
- spironolactone
While oral contraceptives have been shown as an effective treatment for blocking testosterone, this treatment method can interfere if you have immediate plans to get pregnant.
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help to decrease symptoms. This includes:
- starting an exercise or weight loss program can help improve symptoms
- shaving or bleaching hair
- using facial cleaners for acne or oily skin
If a person with a vulva has high testosterone levels, it can lead to symptoms that affect physical appearance and reproductive health.
Treating this condition can begin with identifying the underlying cause. The most common causes of high testosterone levels in people with vulvas are hirsutism, PCOS, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of high testosterone levels, consider speaking with a doctor. They can help develop a treatment plan for your needs and medical history.