High Testosterone in Women and weight loss?

sweetxsour35
sweetxsour35 Posts: 177
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm 18 and have been overweight since middle school and trying to lose weight since high school. It seems like the pounds won't come off, I've lost about 15 lbs since September. I was curious one day so I googled high testosterone levels in women and I have quite a few of the symptoms: oily acne prone skin, excess body hair, excess stomach fat, deeper voice. I know it's weird coming here rather than going to a doctor first but I don't want to be wrong and look crazy. I guess I already do though.

Are there any other women here with higher testosterone levels? How has it affected your weight loss? How did you find out you had high testosterone? What is the treatment? I just want to hear firsthand experiences before I see a doctor for anything. Any help is appreciated.

Replies

  • kamakazeekim
    kamakazeekim Posts: 1,183 Member
    I have high testosterone. Its a common symptom of PCOS. It makes weight loss SOOOO hard!!!!!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,902 Member
    Actually higher testosterone in anyone will usually result in muscle gain and higher libido. Lower testosterone would result in higher fat gain, lower libido, deterrence of muscle building.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • jstout365
    jstout365 Posts: 1,686 Member
    I have PCOS and when my hormone levels were initially tested (almost 10 years ago) my testosterone levels were higher than normal female ranges. I was treated for the PCOS, but I haven't been treated specifically for the testosterone. Spironolactone is a common drug given for elevated androgen levels, but I have never been treated for elevated androgen levels specifically.

    I can't comment on the weight loss issue because I don't know if the elevated levels had any correlation to my success or not. I do have a decent amount of Lean Body Mass, but again, I have no comparative information on what my body composition would be with a "normal" testosterone level. I have had a fair amount of success with weight loss and strength gains from strength training, but nothing that would be considered abnormal based on my level of effort in both tracking calories and adherence to an exercise plan.

    If you are suffering with the symptoms you listed, I would recommend seeing your doctor and starting a discussion. I have very similar symptoms and it is better knowing than not. Your doctor won't think you are crazy, and may be able to provide options at treating what is really going on.
  • Dogwalkingirl
    Dogwalkingirl Posts: 320 Member
    You should go to a Dr to see if you have PCOS. Extra body hair, abnormal periods etc can be a sign. If you are diagnosed with that DO NOT let it get you down and the symptoms of the condition can be greatly improved (even cured) through weight loss and eating better (less sugar etc). Do some research on it but I suggest seeing a Dr.

    I have had one ovary removed (and a tube) on one side due to a cyst that was untreated and grew to the size of a grapefruit. I was told 2 years ago my remaining ovary was cystic but my last two scans at the Dr showed no cysts. I have lost 25lbs and for me I do not think it took any longer then anyone else to shed but there are varying degrees of the condition.

    Technically (from what I understand) it is not higher levels of testosterone that make it harder to lose weight (men lose weight just like we do!) it is that PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin. Insulin helps convert sugar and starches into energy. If your body is not converting this insulin into energy it builds up in the body. High insulin levels then produce androgen which are a male hormone (producing things like body hair, acne etc). So this male hormone can trigger weight gain in the tummy area ...most girls with PCOS carry their weight in their tummies instead of their hips etc.

    I hope this helps understand a little better but I suggest you see a Dr and he or she can give you more info.
  • sweetxsour35
    sweetxsour35 Posts: 177
    Actually higher testosterone in anyone will usually result in muscle gain and higher libido. Lower testosterone would result in higher fat gain, lower libido, deterrence of muscle building.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    I'm not entirely sure how much muscle I have but I can tell you I have looked on mybodygallery.com, entered my stats and found many of them with my height and clothing sizes are 10-20 lbs lighter than me. Not sure if that counts for anything though.
  • caroldavison332
    caroldavison332 Posts: 864 Member
    I agree that high testosterone should burn fat off of your body, like men typically loose weight faster than women.
  • sweetxsour35
    sweetxsour35 Posts: 177
    Maybe PCOS or high androgens? I do have regular periods for the most part.

    Might be my particular Dr. that makes me feel like I'm crazy, or might be in my head, but I do plan on getting a hormone test done.

    Found the website, it's high androgen levels I should be suspicious of.
    http://m.healthywomen.org/condition/androgen
  • jstout365
    jstout365 Posts: 1,686 Member
    Maybe PCOS or high androgens? I do have regular periods for the most part.

    Might be my particular Dr. that makes me feel like I'm crazy, or might be in my head, but I do plan on getting a hormone test done.

    Found the website, it's high androgen levels I should be suspicious of.
    http://m.healthywomen.org/condition/androgen

    If you don't like your primary care doc, go to an OBGYN. They are the ones who deal with this issue most often anyway.
  • Dogwalkingirl
    Dogwalkingirl Posts: 320 Member
    High androgen levels really is what PCOS is. The only way to know for sure is if you go to a Dr. I for the most part also had regular periods. My Dr told me they estimate 1 in 6 woman have PCOS but many do not have clear symptoms and do not bother getting tested unless they have fertility issues.

    Your question was it is harder to lose weight with higher testosterone. So, no. Higher testosterone helps muscles grow and can help with weight loss if anything. However, if you do have PCOS...it can be more difficult due to increased insulin. My best advice would be to see a dr, lower your sugar levels, get super active and try to lose what you can and it will help!
  • sweetxsour35
    sweetxsour35 Posts: 177
    Thanks for all the help everyone!
  • alasin1derland
    alasin1derland Posts: 575 Member
    I was looking up inositol today, not for pcos or testosterone but they are both listed as what it can help. I would like to add you shouldn't treat anything without actually knowing what you are treating and checking with your doc.
  • Elisirmon
    Elisirmon Posts: 273 Member
    I have extremely high testosterone and have gain tons of weight I am on spironolactone but still can't seem to lose weight, I don't have PCOS but possibly an adrenal issue waiting to see specialist. Any helpful tips on losing weight?
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    Actually higher testosterone in anyone will usually result in muscle gain and higher libido. Lower testosterone would result in higher fat gain, lower libido, deterrence of muscle building.

    Yep.

    OP, get evaluated by an endocrinologist.
  • valente347
    valente347 Posts: 201 Member
    Hormones are really complicated, especially when it comes to gender. You should see a doctor about this. From what I understand high testosterone levels in females work differently than in men because of the monthly cycling of female fertility hormones.

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