Risks of high androgen levels in women

Testosterone is one of the main androgens in men and its function is to stimulate the development of sexual characteristics. However, women also secrete androgens from their ovaries and adrenal glands, although in a smaller proportion compared to men.

However, when androgen production in women is too high, the menstrual cycle is disturbed. If the level of androgens is high in women, the ovarian follicles will not develop properly and will give rise to cysts. In addition, ovulation will not occur (they will be anovulatory cycles) and, therefore, the possibility of natural pregnancy is hindered.