Hormones & blood testsDraft: awaiting clinical review

Androgens (including testosterone)

Hormones such as testosterone, present in all women, that can cause symptoms when raised.

Overview

The ovaries and adrenal glands produce small amounts of androgens. Raised levels can cause excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne and scalp hair thinning.

PCOS is the most common cause of raised androgens in women of reproductive age.

What is well established

Clinical signs such as hirsutism are assessed alongside blood tests; a normal blood test does not exclude PCOS.
Very high testosterone levels, or rapidly progressing symptoms such as deepening of the voice, need prompt specialist assessment to exclude rare causes.

Uncertain or emerging evidence

Laboratory testosterone assays in women vary in accuracy at low levels; mass spectrometry methods are more reliable.

This guide is general information and does not replace advice about your own circumstances. Clinical review pending.