Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Blood Androgen Levels

Androgens (such as testosterone) are natural hormones. They are important in sexual development in both men and women.

In women, small amounts of androgens are produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands.

Higher levels of androgens in the blood may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women [67-70].

Most studies on androgens and breast cancer risk have looked at the androgen testosterone.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Blood androgen levels and breast cancer after menopause

Studies show higher blood levels of testosterone are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer after menopause [67-68,70].

Blood androgen levels and breast cancer before menopause

A pooled analysis of data from 5 studies found higher blood levels of testosterone may be linked to a modest increase in the risk of breast cancer before menopause [69].

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

 Updated 04/23/24