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.

1. Know your risk

Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history.
Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened

Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk.
Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.*
Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.*

* Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines

3. Know what is normal for you

See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:

Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Maintain a healthy weight.
Make exercise part of your routine.
Limit alcohol intake.
Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use).
Breastfeed if you can.

Updated 12/16/24

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.

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