Blood Androgen Levels

Androgens are hormones, such as testosterone, that are important in sexual development in both men and women. In women, androgens are produced in small amounts by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Similar to higher blood estrogen levels, higher amounts of androgens in the blood may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

Of the androgens that have been studied in relation to breast cancer risk, the most data are available on testosterone. In postmenopausal women, studies show that higher levels of blood testosterone are related to an increase in risk of breast cancer [75-79]. In premenopausal women, fewer studies have been done and thus the link is less certain. However, studies to date suggest higher levels of blood testosterone may also increase breast cancer risk in premenopausal women [77].

Learn more about blood estrogen levels and breast cancer risk.

For a summary of research studies on blood androgen levels and breast cancer risk, visit the Breast Cancer Research section.