What causes high testosterone levels in females?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 17-year-old female diagnosed with too high testosterone levels. I have hormonal problems, and I desperately try to stop the symptoms. I cannot stand this anymore, and I need a way to prevent this from progressing. The symptoms are acne, weight gain, menstrual changes, excessive hair growth in the worst places, hair loss, etc. But the worse and seemingly unchangeable thing is the change of voice. I have read that once your voice changes, it becomes more masculine. It cannot be changed to the original. Is that true? And is there anything I could do to stop this before it worsens? Please help me; this scares me.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
You have not mentioned your menstrual history, which is important, but at least I can predict that you had regular menses before having high testosterone levels. Are you on any medications, or have you been treated for any chronic disease? Drug side effects, genetic changes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal changes, and any hormone-secreting tumor can be the cause. Have you done other hormone investigations like serum insulin, prolactin, serum leutinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid function tests? If you have done, please discuss those as well; if not done yet, then do it on the second day of your menses so you can also have an idea about those. Do an abdominal ultrasound with a full bladder to exclude pelvic pathology. If the visualization is not clear in the ultrasound, then go for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pelvis and adrenals. Oral contraceptive pills can reduce the effect of high testosterone levels in the body. I suggest you take mini progesterone pills or cyproterone acetate-containing contraceptives to prevent over growth of hairs. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them and take medications with their consent. Steroidal Androgen or nonsteroidal antiandrogen can reduce effects by blocking Androgen receptors and reducing Androgen production but can be prescribed only after confirmed diagnosis. Eflornithine cream should be locally applied on abnormal hair growth to reduce over growth. Waxing, shaving, laser, and electrolyte are also helpful. Symptoms can be cured by symptomatic treatment. So, I suggest you start oral contraceptive pills now, do all hormonal tests, and do radiological investigations to evaluate adrenal and pelvic pathology. Do mildly hot water gargles with salt for the voice changes. Add cinnamon powder as well. Follow up with your report. I would also suggest you get one examination of your genitals by a gynecologist. I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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