TeenHealthFX - Answers - Female With Too Much Testosterone

Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: February 18, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 12-year-old female diagnosed as having too much testosterone. What does this mean to me?

Signed: Female With Too Much Testosterone

Dear Female With Too Much Testosterone,

Good question - TeenHealthFX will get to the research in a minute. First and foremost, TeenHealthFX advises you to have an appointment with your doctor or an endocrinologist (a specialist that deals with hormonal problems) to discuss your question specifically. Because your doctor made the diagnosis, he or she will be able to tell you exactly what you can expect and not expect and provide support for you along the way. Also and most important, he/she can discuss whether you need any treatment depending on your testosterone levels.

Here is some general information on being a female with a high level of male hormones: A mild-to-moderate degree of an increase of male hormones (also called androgens), particularly testosterone, is not that uncommon. It may cause obesity, acne, facial and body hair and menstrual problems. Some girls have no symptoms. Other male characteristics, such as deepening voice and clitoral enlargement, are rare.

In many, male hormone levels are only mildly elevated and, therefore, are not accompanied by severe symptoms. However, a careful and prolonged follow-up by a doctor is necessary to monitor the eventual appearance of signs and symptoms of high testosterone.

Again, the above is general information and does not happen to everyone with a high level of male hormones. To find out what you can expect, you really need to talk to your doctor.

Signed: TeenHealthFX