An androgen hormone that women have in small amounts, often higher or more active in PCOS.
What testosterone is
Testosterone is the main androgen, a type of sex hormone. Although it is often associated with men, women also produce it in small amounts, mainly from the ovaries and the adrenal glands. At balanced levels, testosterone contributes to several normal body functions such as energy, mood, and bone health. The problem arises when its level or activity becomes too high, because it can then noticeably affect the skin and hair follicles. In the ovary, testosterone is also a building block for making estrogen, so it is part of a larger hormone chain.
How it relates to PCOS
In PCOS, higher testosterone levels or higher androgen activity are common. This can contribute to signs such as acne, hirsutism, oily skin, and scalp hair thinning. Excess androgen is one of the core features in the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, alongside cycle pattern and ovarian findings. However, not everyone with PCOS has a high testosterone result on a blood test, because androgen activity at the tissue level also plays a role. For the full picture, see what is PCOS and PCOS symptoms. Insulin resistance can also raise this androgen activity.
Total compared with free testosterone
A blood test usually reports two values. Total testosterone is the whole amount circulating in the blood. Free testosterone is the part that is not bound to the protein SHBG and is therefore active on body tissues. In PCOS, free testosterone is often more meaningful because it reflects the hormone that is truly having an effect. When SHBG is low, more free testosterone circulates even if the total looks ordinary. Both values are read together, not on their own.
What it means for you
A testosterone result alone does not confirm PCOS. A doctor weighs symptoms, cycle pattern, medical history, blood tests, and sometimes an ovarian scan together before reaching any conclusion. A very high level sometimes calls for extra tests to rule out other causes. If you have androgen signs or irregular periods, a doctor can decide which tests are suitable and explain what the results mean in the context of your overall situation.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.