Why does a woman need testosterone and what level is considered normal?
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Tell us about sex hormones. You probably know that female hormones are estrogenic, and male hormones are androgenic. But did you know that there is no such thing as, for example, only male or only female hormones? Yes, don”t be surprised. Each person has all the hormones, both male and female, and their conditional “ownership” is determined by quantity, or dominance. As you know, androgenic hormones predominate in men, and estrogen hormones predominate in women.
Contents of the article:
This article will cover all hormones, but will focus on testosterone. Testosterone in the male body is produced in the testicles, and in the female body — in the ovaries, adrenal glands, fat cells and skin cells. In general, the endocrine system (i. e., responsible for the production of hormones) differs significantly between men and women.
The female body produces 5% to 10% of the normal testosterone levels in the male body. It is just as important for you as the “female” hormone, despite the fact that its amount is one twentieth of the male hormone.
Memo
Testosterone is a “male” hormone, but it is present in the human body regardless of gender. Some people”s bodies may produce more testosterone, while others may produce less. Its quantity and deviations from the norm can affect health. Some people may take testosterone for hormone therapy or to treat certain medical conditions.
All of the above applies to any hormone in any body. A woman”s body may have an excess or deficiency of both male and female hormones. The same applies to the male body.
Male and female sex hormones
“Female” sex hormones include estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone and other estrogens, as well as testosterone and other androgens.
Likewise, “male” sex hormones include testosterone, androstenediol, dihydrotestosterone and other androgens, as well as estradiol and other estrogens.
The role of testosterone in the body of men and women
In men, testosterone and other androgens influence the following processes and factors:
Testosterone and other androgens also play a significant role in women”s health, specifically influencing:
- Bone health
- Breast health
- Fertility
- Sexual desire
- Menstrual health — cycles, health, and mood swings
- Vaginal health
During puberty, there is a surge in the “master” hormones in both men and women. In men, this is testosterone, and in women, estrogen. This surge occurs during puberty, usually between the ages of 10 and 16.
This surge causes the development of secondary sexual characteristics in adolescents. Boys become hoarse and grow beards, while girls develop a higher voice and enlarged breasts.
The female body can “process” testosterone and other androgens into the female hormone estrogen. For this reason, women do not develop masculine traits and characteristics. All these hormones act differently.
However, this mechanism is not perfect. If a woman”s body begins producing excess testosterone or other “male” hormones, there may not be enough time for them to be converted into estrogen. This leads to what”s known as masculinization (also known as virilization). This is the process by which a woman develops male sexual characteristics, such as facial hair, a deepening voice, and so on.
During adolescence, testosterone levels decline in both men and women, but this hormone continues to play an important role in health and sexual desire.
Standard testosterone levels in women
Testosterone and other androgen levels can be measured with a blood test. In women, normal testosterone levels are 0. 5-2. 4 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood.
Read also: A Beautiful Male Body: Who Do Women Consider Ideal?
At all times, women have been no less concerned with a beautiful male body than men. But since different countries set their own standards,
Low testosterone levels, i. e., levels below 0. 5 nanomoles per liter, can lead to the following consequences.
High testosterone levels, i. e., levels above 2. 4 nanomoles per liter, can lead to:
- Acne
- Blood sugar problems
- Excessive hair growth, usually on the face
- Infertility
- Absence of menstruation
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Do I need treatment for abnormal testosterone levels?
Like any other abnormality in the body, a change in testosterone levels is a warning that something is wrong with you. Always order a diagnosis and determine the cause. Such deviations may be due to a serious illness that requires immediate treatment.
Increased level
Elevated testosterone levels in women may be associated with disruption of the endocrine system. The most common causes are ovarian or adrenal tumors.
Doctors may advise many women to begin treatment for excess testosterone production to normalize the body”s parameters and eliminate symptoms of masculinization.
However, treating such disorders may contribute to imbalanced testosterone production and may make the situation worse. Hormonal drugs have many contraindications and side effects, so great care should be taken when taking them. It is very important that you do not do this yourself! Without professional help, you may make the situation worse.
Women with high testosterone levels are most often treated with the following medications.
- Glucocorticoids;
- Biguanides;
- Overfilled remedy to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Diuretics.
Reduced level
Lifehack #58. testosterone in women
Some scientific papers from the 20th century indicated that HRT helps increase female libido, but more recent research has shown that the results after replacement can be quite negative.
Testosterone is not known to improve bone and muscle strength or improve mood. Today, for example, correlations between hormonal therapy and the possible development of cancer, breast cancer, heart tumors, blood vessel tumors, etc. are being carefully studied.
The long-term negative effects are still being studied, but the short-term ones have been known for a long time. Among them:
- Acne
- Abnormal distribution of facial and chest hair.
- Decreased voice tone.
- Hair loss in men.
Is it possible to treat yourself?
- Low levels.
Typically, decreased sexual attractiveness is one of the first signs of hormonal decline. However, this is not true. Of course, a drop in testosterone usually reduces libido, but this is not the only or even the most popular reason.
Among other things, a decrease in libido can affect the following.
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction in sexual partners.
- Fatigue
- Relationship problems.
Therefore, it is necessary to make a diagnosis first. First, understand why you shouldn”t treat something that can”t be treated.
If elevated testosterone levels are detected, your doctor or nutritionist may recommend including foods that naturally reduce testosterone production and help eliminate or completely prevent masculinization symptoms.
Usually these are herbal preparations. It is recommended to use them most often:
Always consult a healthcare professional before including any ingredient to ensure that its use will not cause other problems. Don”t forget to adjust your diet if you have other medical conditions!
Despite its title as a “male” hormone, testosterone is very important for women. His role is greater than you can imagine. For example, it is involved in fertility, reproductive health and the menstrual cycle.
How you feel, pain, and other symptoms during your period are all dependent on testosterone. You can see why this is important. Be sure to monitor its level and maintain it normal. If there are any abnormalities, consult your doctor immediately.
If this article has given you the idea that this hormone is not something to be trifled with, consider that you have a good reason to read it. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from serious health problems is to get them diagnosed and treated early. And remember — no amateur performances! Check with your doctor first.
