High Amounts of Testosterone in Women

High amounts of testosterone in women may be caused by hormone disorders, certain medical conditions and the use of anabolic steroids. Negative health effects of high amounts of testosterone in women can include masculinization, increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer and menstrual problems. The symptoms of high testosterone can be lessened by medical treatments including medications and surgery.

Medical Causes

• Medical causes of high amounts of testosterone in women include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland dysfunction and pituitary gland tumors.

Outward Symptoms

• High amounts of testosterone may cause hirsutism, which is the growth of excess hair on the face, arms, chest and legs, or alopecia, which is the loss of hair and may resemble that of male-pattern baldness.

Internal Symptoms

• Liver disease including liver cancer is a symptom of high amounts of testosterone caused by the use of anabolic steroids in women.

Gynecological Symptoms

• Gynecological symptoms of high amounts of testosterone include irregular or missed periods, infertility and an enlarged clitoris.

Physical Side Effects

• According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of testosterone in women may cause high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.

Mental Side Effects

• Testosterone in high amounts can cause personality changes such as aggression, increased sexual desire and feelings of competitiveness.

Warning

• Sudden, severe changes in blood sugar levels are possible when high amounts of testosterone are taken in the form of steroids or hormone therapy, which can be life-threatening for women with diabetes.