Signs of high testosterone in women often involve changes in hair, skin, and menstrual cycles, including excess facial/body hair (hirsutism), acne, male-pattern baldness, and irregular periods, alongside potential muscle gain, voice deepening, and fertility issues, frequently linked to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women
Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on your face, chin, and abdomen. Thinning hair, possibly male-pattern baldness on the front and sides of the head. Acne or oily skin. Smaller breasts.
Symptoms of hyperandrogenism in adult females include: Acne and oily skin. Excess body hair (hirsutism) Irregular periods.
Yes, testosterone can cause headaches, both as a potential side effect of testosterone therapy (especially with sudden changes or high doses) and because low testosterone levels (Low T) are linked to increased headache and migraine frequency in men. Fluctuations in testosterone, like drops in estrogen in women, can trigger migraines, while higher levels might actually be protective, but imbalances in either direction can be problematic, affecting nervous system pathways related to pain.
Other signs of excess testosterone include increased body hair, headaches, high blood pressure, excess libido, infertility, insomnia, mood swings, urine problems, ankle swelling, or unexplained weight gain.
Although testosterone does play a vital role in the healthy functioning of a woman's body, testosterone is primarily a male-driven sex hormone. Therefore, when a female has excessive testosterone levels higher than 2.4nmol/l (70 ng/dL), the unwanted symptoms she faces will often be troubling.
The only way to know your testosterone level is with a blood test. You may talk to your healthcare provider about a testosterone level test if you have symptoms of low testosterone.
However, one study found that no differences in testosterone levels were found in women with vs. without migraine, and that migraine pain intensity was not correlated with testosterone levels.
In males, high testosterone may not cause symptoms or impact sleep. However, some research has found a link between poor sleep and high testosterone, View Source such as from treatment with high doses of synthetic testosterone.
Alterations in plasma testosterone concentration and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) are also associated with psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, psychosis and aggression (Carre et al., 2011, Carre and Mehta, 2011, Popma et al., 2007, Talih et al., 2007, van Wingen et al., 2011).
The increase in testosterone triggers your skin to make more sebum, an oily substance. This extra sebum can clog your pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. The increase in testosterone can also cause inflammation, which can lead to severe acne.
Normal testosterone levels by age
High testosterone levels in women may cause a range of symptoms, from excessive facial and body hair to impaired fertility. Most, if not all, symptoms are usually a result of an underlying medical condition. Generally, treatment of the underlying disorder can reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Doctors may also prescribe oral contraceptives, as this treatment helps block excess testosterone. According to a 2019 review , pairing oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin with antiandrogens and metformin may be most effective for the treatment of hirsutism.
Women who produce exceptionally high levels of testosterone may experience signs of virilization—the development of male physical characteristics (i.e., muscle bulk, body hair on the face, chest, or back, deepening of the voice).
Although often labeled a male hormone, testosterone is vital for women's mental sharpness, motivation, and mood stability. Healthy testosterone levels are linked to improved focus, verbal and spatial memory, and overall confidence.
Signs of high testosterone in males
Normal levels of testosterone in women are 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 0.5-2.4 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). Depending on which lab performs your testosterone test, normal values may vary slightly from these.
Common Hormones That Impact Energy Levels
Thyroid hormones: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows your metabolism, often causing fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol helps regulate energy throughout the day.
High testosterone levels, in particular, appear to play a significant role in the onset of depression in women going through menopause. In women with low testosterone levels, treatment with low doses of the hormone may help decrease depression symptoms.
Oral Contraceptives
Doctors commonly prescribe birth control pills to women with high testosterone. They help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin, which work together to lower testosterone levels.
Short-term administration of high-dose testosterone shortens sleep and worsens sleep apnea in older men but did not alter physical, mental, or metabolic function.
In a cross-sectional study of adolescents, elevated testosterone levels were found to be associated with higher anxiety scores in depressed patients [22].
You may be able to test your testosterone levels with an at-home kit. These have everything you need to collect a blood or saliva (spit) sample to send to a lab for testing. Talk to your provider if you think an at-home test is right for you.
Is body hair a sign of high testosterone? Testosterone can cause hair growth but it's not always a sign of high testosterone levels. Testosterone and oestrogen are sex hormones, and they help determine how your hair grows. This means not only where, but also the texture, thickness and colour of that hair.