Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

High Testosterone levels

Hi everyone!

I'm a 25-year old healthy female of Mediterranean origin. I have been suffering from increased body/facial hair since I was 15. It is pretty common in Mediterranean cultures for females to have more hair than females of other cultures. On some days, I can deal with the fact that I have Hirsutism, on other days, I feel really depressed and alone.

A few weeks ago I gathered the courage to go to my PCP and tell him about my condition. He automatically sent me to the lab for blood work. He said the tests would be extensive. Yesterday I went to his office and he reviewed the results carefully. Luckily, I do not have PCOS. The blood work only revealed high levels of testosterone (although still within the normal range). I have noticed that my libido is usually pretty high. That does not bother me, quite the opposite :). My main problem is facial hair (upper lip, sideburns, and some chin), as well as increased body hair. I know that without it I would be a happier person. I would also feel more beautiful and confident. So my doctor gave a prescription for Vaniqa 13.9%, Metformin 850 mg, and Spironolactone 25 mg. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to see him again for more blood work so he can determine if the drugs are of any benefit.

My main concern with the two latter drugs is that they are used in patients who have been diagnosed for PCOS. Is that correct? Why would my doctor prescribe those if I only have higher levels of testosterone? Will those drugs decrease it? Also, should I maybe get a second opinion from an endocrinologist?

I'm just so frustrated with this, and I really don't want to take the wrong medication. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Anyway, for the excess hair (as well as for hair loss) spironolactone is the only treatment really, so at least you'll know how to handle that from now on:).  I honestly experience a lot of hairloss when I'm not on it - and on the pill. In the begining I was put on Androcur (Ciproterone Acetate) -- I'm not sure you can find it in USA-- but this really has severe side effects, like weight gain, plus it is very poweful and really hurts your liver. So, now you've actually found the only option there. And, at the proper dose, you'll see the effects - I do, and my problem is otherwise severe! So you're about to see that change you wanted, I hope.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi again! Well do you only take 25 mg of Spironolactone? It is indeed low, but maybe this is just to begin with, until you adjust to the medicine...Both Metformin and Spironolactone can have some side effects...I tolerated them well, but I also started on a low dose for the first week or so. If you were to continue with only 25 of Spironolactone, I'm not sure you would get results - I know I don't...I have tried many times to lower the dose, but my hair starts falling again (the elevated androgens cause alopecia with me). My endocrinologist put me on 50 mg Spiro at first, told me to wait a week and then up the dose. I've noticed that this is the dose women with these problems generally take, from all I've read.  But don't up the dose now, just wait and see and then maybe talk to your doctor again. Your weight is absolutely normal and you say your menses are ok too....You probably should have tests just to make sure - the diagnosis of PCOS is really not that hard to make. But, I always go to an endocrinologist with this, I've noticed that my doc. really does not know much about my condition.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi luisa! Thanks for your comment!

As far as my periods are concerned, they have always been pretty regular and only last about 4-5 days. I rarely have any pain or cramps, and to tell you the truth, I feel very good when I do have my period.
I'm also surprised that my PCP prescribed Metformin, as I'm within a normal weight range (5'5 and 125 lbs). So I'm not obese or diabetic. I'm not sure if he requested an insulin test, but it would make sense to have one done.

Also, the dosage of Metformin and Spironolactone is very low - do you think I will be seeing results within the upcoming months?

Thanks for your help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there...Maybe you should get a second opinion on this. Elevated androgen levels are indeed a characteristic of PCOS. When I got diagnosed I only got two test results that were out of balance and it's enough: DHEA (androgen) and Insulin. And of course, the cystic ovaries. How are your menses? I would get menses every month before I was put on Yasmin, however, they were not regular, I had heavy bleeding and a lot of pain. No one single symptom is enough to diagnose this syndrome, you have to do all the required tests. I suggest you ask for an insulin test as well, if you haven't had one yet. I don't understand why he would give you Metformin if you don't have either PCOS, diabetes or obesity. Spironolactone is an obvious one, I'm taking it as well, it blocks the androgen receptors and should help with your hair (it takes a month or two before you start seeing the effects - this was the case for me; I take 100 mg / day). Best of luck!
Helpful - 0
215752 tn?1278004771
According to your symptoms you have pcos.All women or mostly with pcos have high testosterine.Ask your doctor next time to do a sonogram to look at your ovaries.Also the meds you taking are for pcos.You need to see an Re sometimes regular doctor don't know this condition.The meds will help you with the symptoms, slow them down a little but you will still have them.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Community

Top Women's Health Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.