Men and women produce exactly the same hormones, but in different amounts: as a rule, men produce 20 times more testosterone than women, while women produce more estrogen and progesterone. As with most things in nature, this "norm" can become imbalanced, and some women may have higher levels of testosterone, causing a unique set of symptoms.
Function
Testosterone is widely thought of as the male sex hormone, but women also produce it: in the ovaries, adrenal glands, body fat and in some other body tissues, according to the Women's Health Program at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Without testosterone, a woman cannot synthesize estrogen. Your level of testosterone affects much of your body's physiology, including the adrenal glands, the thyroid gland, your reproductive system, your skin, hair, voice and even your desire to win at a board game, also known as competitiveness.
Effects
High testosterone levels in women can result in acne, increased facial and body hair, increased insulin production and a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, PCOS results in many tiny cysts or bumps inside the ovaries, which can result in abdominal pain and irregular periods. PCOS is caused by hormones in your brain and ovaries, which act as chemical messengers that tell your body when to ovulate, menstruate and grow hair among other activities. The Center also reports that skin cells and hair follicles are extremely sensitive to the slightest increase in female testosterone levels, and this can cause acne and facial hair.
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