Hyperandrogenism: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
How to Treat High Testosterone in Women: Signs and Causes
Some men and women experience immediate side effects of testosterone treatment, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting. However, many men with normal testosterone levels have similar symptoms, so a direct connection between testosterone levels and symptoms is not always clear. As a result, there is some controversy about which men should be treated with supplemental testosterone. Some men who have a testosterone deficiency have symptoms or conditions related to their low testosterone that will improve when they take testosterone replacement. For example, a man with osteoporosis and low testosterone can increase bone strength and reduce his fracture risk with testosterone replacement. All of this reduces the active (free) form of testosterone in the body.
For many people with CAH, the enzyme shortage causes their adrenal glands to overproduce other hormones, like testosterone. Hyperandrogenism is the defining sign of PCOS, a hormonal imbalance caused by the ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) creating excess male hormones. Some lifestyle changes can reduce high testosterone in females, while others simply manage symptoms. Anyone with a hormonal imbalance needs to speak with a doctor before trying medical treatments for excess hair growth. Usually, a healthcare professional will take a person’s blood sample in the morning when testosterone levels are highest.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone, a small amount of which is also produced in women's ovaries. In the female body, testosterone is combined with estrogen and helps in overall growth and maintenance. Testosterone also repairs the reproductive tissues in women and impacts behavior and bone mass.
Premenopausal women are more likely to have PCOS or non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). The top diagnoses would shift to ovarian hyperthecosis and androgen producing tumors in post-menopausal women. If the woman is pregnant, gestational hyperandrogenism would be the likely culprit. However, people with hyperandrogenism typically seek medical care for the treatment of its main symptoms, such as hirsutism, acne and irregular periods. In CAH, genetic mutations (changes) cause shortages of certain enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, that help your body produce needed hormones.
By knowing your testosterone level, you can work with your healthcare provider to improve reproductive health and achieve fertility goals. In men, testosterone plays an important role in sperm production and supporting overall reproductive health. Low testosterone levels can result in fewer sperm, less active sperm, and other fertility problems. Testosterone what is the code for testosterone on a blood test a steroid hormone that triggers the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Though found mainly in men, the ovaries in women release small amounts of testosterone.
Some common birth control pills used to treat high T levels include desogestrel, gestodene, and norgestimate. Getting regular exercise and eating a diet of whole, nutrient-dense foods can help you naturally boost T levels. This can also help you lose excess weight caused by T imbalances and get more of the nutrients you need to support T production in your body. Keeping unwanted excess hair shaved or using facial cleaners for acne may help control your symptoms. However, ED and reduced sexual desire are signs of low T — not high T. If you experience them, you may still want to get your T levels tested. T has a role in numerous processes around the body, including the maintenance of bone and muscle mass and the storage and metabolism of body fat.
If you have high levels of testosterone, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to learn about treatment options. In some cases, hormone therapy or medication can help restore your levels to a normal range. Testosterone (T) is a crucial sex hormone that’s most well known for stimulating puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair growth and sperm production, in people with penises. Studies suggest that regular consumption can reduce hirsutism (excess hair growth) and improve overall hormonal balance. By reducing testosterone levels, it helps manage symptoms such as acne and unwanted hair growth. If you suspect that your testosterone levels are imbalanced, talk to a healthcare professional at Thrivelab about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This holistic treatment can help restore balance and reduce any symptoms you may be experiencing.
But it’s important to see your provider right away if you have sudden symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Exercise can improve insulin resistance and fertility in people with PCOS. Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is recommended for a total of 150 minutes weekly. Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises are also encouraged. People with PCOS should consult a nutritionist on how to design their diet to support weight loss and overall health and naturally lower testosterone levels.
