Testosterone is often known as a male hormone, but in fact it also exists in women in small amounts. When the level of this hormone increases excessively, the body can fall into an endocrine imbalance, affecting many important functions, including fertility.
According to fertility specialist Aanchal Agarwal (India), normal testosterone plays a role in the female endocrine environment. However, when it exceeds the permissible threshold, this condition is called increased androgen in the blood, that is, the level of male hormones in the female body increases abnormally.
A study published in eBioMedicine in 2025 tracking more than 1,100 women showed that testosterone levels vary with age, gradually decreasing after age 40 and at the lowest at around 58-59 years old, then tending to increase slightly again. This change is mainly related to age rather than menopause.
Regarding fertility, testosterone plays an indirect role in ovulation. This process requires the smooth coordination of many hormones such as FSH, LH and some other hormones for eggs to develop and ovulate on schedule. When testosterone is too high, this balance is broken. This can disrupt the follicle development process, causing eggs to not ovulate evenly or not ovulate. When there is no ovulation, natural conception will become more difficult.
Increased testosterone in women usually does not occur alone but is a sign of a potential endocrine problem. One of the most common causes is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with ovulation disorders and increased androgen.
In addition, some other causes can also cause increased testosterone such as adrenal gland disorders, use of androgen hormones or testosterone from the outside, or more rarely hormone-secreting tumors.
Women with high testosterone levels may experience many abnormal signs such as thick hair, acne, oily skin, dandruff or changes in voice if prolonged. Accompanied by irregular menstruation or amenorrhea, these are often early warning signs.
In treatment, the most important step is to identify the root cause. With polycystic ovary syndrome, doctors may use ovulation support drugs or hormone adjustments. With adrenal gland disorders, specialized medication is needed. In rare cases due to tumors, surgical intervention may be needed.
Experts believe that most cases of increased testosterone can be controlled if detected early. Proper examination and treatment help improve the ovulation cycle and increase the possibility of natural pregnancy.
