Testosterone, the primary male hormone, or androgen, is produced by women as well as men. In women, the adrenal gland and ovaries produce androgens. High testosterone levels in women cause excess hair growth, cessation of menstrual periods, acne and hair loss. 



The most common cause of excess androgen production is polycystic ovary disease, where the ovaries produce too many androgens, a disorder that affects 5 to 10 percent of women, the Merck Manual reports. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a rare congenital disease which increases androgen production and ovarian tumors also raise testosterone levels in women. Treatments include medications and lifestyle changes.

Glucocorticosteroids

Low dose glucocorticosteroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone given daily for two or three months can reduce adrenal gland androgen production, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists reports. Glucocorticosteroids reduce acne and may improve fertility, as well as mildly reducing hirsuitism, excess hair growth.

Metformin

Metformin, a medication used to lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, also helps treat high testosterone levels in women. Metformin may help women lose weight, which also reduces androgen levels and decreases excess hair growth, the National Women's Health Information Center reports. Metformin may also induce ovulation in women who aren't having normal menstrual cycles. Gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in women taking metformin. Women taking metformin should have glucose, kidney and liver function levels checked periodically, the Merck Manual recommends.