It is commonly thought of as a hormone for men, but women also produce small amounts. It is vital to a woman’s health. This article discusses the normal testosterone levels of women, their health effects and when it is appropriate to seek medical care from kapeefit ayurvedic online consultation for abnormal testosterone.
Understanding Testosterone
The ovaries of women produce the majority of testosterone, which is an androgen hormone. It is important for many reasons, including:
- Stimulating female reproductive tissues during puberty and secondary sexual characteristics
- Regulating sexual desire and libido
- Bone and muscle strength
- Impact on red blood cell production
- The distribution of body fat
- It is involved in mood and cognitive function
In females, testosterone production starts before conception and continues throughout the entire lifecycle. After the age of 30, levels start to decrease. It is important to know what normal levels are at different ages.
Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone
- Total testosterone This is the total testosterone in the body. Around 60% of the testosterone is bound to proteins such as sex-hormone-binding globulin(SHBG) or albumin.
- Free Testosterone – Refers to testosterone that is not bound to protein, which represents 2-3% of the total testosterone. The active form of testosterone that has an effect on the target tissue is free testosterone.
- The complete picture of androgen levels can be obtained by measuring both total testosterone and free testosterone.
- Free testosterone is a better indicator of androgen deficiency or excess, as it is the active bioavailable form.
The normal range of testosterone in females
The normal testosterone levelswomen
Children
- Total testosterone – Less than 32-86ng/dL
- Free testosterone – 0.02 – 5.0% pg/mL
Women of Reproductive age
- Total testosterone – 8-60 ng/dL. (Average of 20-25 ng/dL).
- Free testosterone – 0.1-6.4 mg/mL (Optimal: 0.5-2.5 mg/mL).
Postmenopausal Women
- Total testosterone – 10-40 ng/dL
- Free testosterone – 2.5 to 9.5 pg/mL
These ranges provide general guidance. The ideal level for a patient is determined by symptoms and other health factors. Some women may be able to tolerate levels at the lower end or even higher.
Females with High Testosterone Symptoms
Hyperandrogenism or signs of excess androgen are common in elevated testosterone. Symptoms include:
- Amenorrhea is characterized by irregular, infrequent or absent menstrual cycles.
- Acne outbreaks
- Hair growth on the face and body in excess (hirsutism).
- Hair loss and thinning of the hair on the scalp (androgenic Alopecia)
- Voice deepening
- Strength and muscle mass increase
- Breast size reduction
- Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Changes in sexual desire
- Mood changes – anxiety, irritability, depression
In some cases, high testosterone levels can cause problems such as infertility and insulin resistance.
Why Females Have High Testosterone Levels
The following conditions can cause elevated testosterone levels in females:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is the cause of multiple ovarian cysts, and it’s a common reason for high testosterone levels in women who are of reproductive age. PCOS can also cause irregular periods, acne and excessive hair growth.
Related: Osteoporosis Risk factors, signs treatment, prevention
Adrenal Gland Diseases
The adrenal glands may produce too much testosterone, cortisol, and other hormones. Cushing’s is an example.
Ovarian Tumors
Testosterone-secreting tumors affecting the ovarian cells that produce male hormones (Leydig cell tumors) may rarely occur.
Hyperthecosis
The growth of hormone-producing ovaries cells increases testosterone production. Postmenopausal females are usually affected.
Medicines
Some drugs, such as anabolic steroids and hormone replacement therapy can increase testosterone levels.
Idiopathic Hirsutism
It is excessive hair growth in the face and on the body of women who do not have elevated testosterone levels. It can run in families.
To determine the exact cause, a complete medical examination is required.
Effects of low testosterone in females
Low testosterone levelssimilar symptoms
- Vaginal dryness, reduced sex desire
- Fatigue, low energy levels and endurance
- Orgasm is difficult to achieve
- Weight gain – Increase in body fat and reduced muscle mass
- Depression, memory loss, and poor concentration
- Osteoporosis: Aching bones and joints
- Early menopause and cardiovascular risks
The symptoms vary depending on age. Women who have gone through menopause are more susceptible to the effects.
What causes low testosterone in females?
There are several reasons why women experience low testosterone levels:
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
The levels of testosterone and estrogen drop when ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. Genetics, autoimmunity and infections are all possible causes.
Hypopituitarism
The pituitary at the base brain, which is affected by tumors and radiation treatment can reduce testosterone production.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Addison’s and other adrenal gland disorders can lead to a deficient DHEA production, which is a precursor of testosterone.
Chronic Illness
Chronic inflammatory conditionsrheumatoid arthritis
Medicines
The production of testosterone can be reduced by anti-seizure medications, glucocorticoids and GnRH antagonists.
Ageing
After 30 years, the production of testosterone starts to naturally decline due to reduced ovarian function.
Low testosterone can be diagnosed by evaluating the symptoms and checking for underlying conditions.
Significance of Testosterone-Estrogen Ratio
The balance between estrogen and testosterone in a female can provide additional insights.
- By suppressing ovulation, increased testosterone levels are expected to lower estrogen.
- A low estrogen level relative to testosterone suggests that the cause is likely increased androgen from the ovaries or glands of adrenal glands, rather than abnormal metabolism of estrogen.
- A high estrogen level in conjunction with a high testosterone indicates a problem converting testosterone into estrogen. This includes the excessive activity of aromatase in obesity.
- Low estrogen levels are usually a sign of a testosterone deficiency, as they are both synthesized in the ovaries.
Considering the testosterone-estrogen ratio along with patient symptoms gives a clearer picture of hormone status to the doctor.
Diagnosing high or low testosterone
Doctorsabnormal testosterone levels
Medical History
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in the family and personal history. History of any conditions.
Physical Exam
A change in androgen levels can be seen by signs such as acne, hair growth, and muscle development.
Blood Tests
- Total and free testosterone levels
- Tests for hormones – DHEA, LH and FSH.
- Fasting glucose, lipid profiles, and other metabolic testing if necessary
Pelvic Ultrasound
Detectsabnormalitiestestosterone
Treatment of High Testosterone Levels in Females
Treatmentsymptoms
Lifestyle Changes
- Weight loss through diet and physical activity. Hormonal imbalance is worsened by obesity.
- Stress management. Stress management.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Medicines
- Oral contraceptives: Helps regulate menstrual cycle and reduce testosterone levels.
- Spironolactone: Blocks the effects of testosterone in hair follicles, skin and other tissues.
- GnRH-agonists can help lower testosterone levels when other treatments have failed.
- Metformin is used to treat PCOS and improve insulin resistance.
Topical Creams
- Eflornithine Hydrochloride Cream – Can reduce facial hair growth among women.
Hair Removal Treatments
- Laser therapy and electrolysis are effective ways to remove excessive hair on the face and body.
The following are some of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
- Ovarian wedge removal, ovarian drilling are minimally invasive options for lowering testosterone in PCOS.
- If a tumor is present, it should be removed.
The doctor will customize the combination treatment depending on age, health, and patient goals, such as fertility.
Treatment of Low Testosterone In Females
Kapeefit Online Ayurvedic ConsultationLow testosterone
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Correction of primary disorders such as hypopituitarism or autoimmune diseases, etc. Can help restore normal testosterone levels.
Testosterone Replacement
- Low doses of testosterone can be provided by creams, gels patches, pellets or injections.
- It is well tolerated and has a positive effect on sex energy and drive.
- Safety over the long-term requires constant monitoring.
Estrogen Therapy
If there is a co-existing testosterone deficiency, postmenopausal woman may receive supplemental estrogen in order to control their symptoms.
Medicines
Women who have had their ovaries surgically removed may benefit from Depo-testosterone Injections. DHEA can help increase testosterone in some cases of adrenal insufficiency.
Alternative Therapies
In milder cases, acupuncture, diet changes and stress reduction techniques can provide relief from symptoms of low testosterone.
The doctor will monitor the treatment closely to ensure that testosterone levels in women are within normal premenopausal levels.
Monitoring Treatment Response
Women who are receiving treatment for abnormal testosterone levels should be monitored regularly. This includes:
- Assessment of improvement in clinical symptoms such as fatigue, low libido and menstrual irregularities, etc.
- Acne changes and hair growth patterns can be examined.
- Repeating the testosterone and related hormones blood test
- Side effects of medication such as spironolactone and metformin can be checked.
- If you are taking testosterone, a pelvic ultrasound is recommended to assess ovarian changes
- Tests of bone mineral density for women taking long-term testosterone therapy
- As needed, blood count, liver function and lipid profile tests, as well as metabolic testing, are performed.
Amounts of medication, dosage adjustments, and additions can be made in response to test results, progress, and the patient’s condition.
Testosterone Optimisation Lifestyle Measures
The following lifestyle choices can help regulate testosterone along with medical treatment:
- Maintain a healthy body weight– Being significantly over or underweight can alter hormone balance.
- Limit your alcohol consumption– Alcohol excess leads to testosterone and oestrogen deficiency.
- Strengthen muscles– Resistance training causes modest but beneficial increases in testosterone.
- Reduce Stress– Excessive stress hormones affect testosterone metabolism.
- Get a good night’s sleep– A lack of sleep can disrupt testosterone release.
- Stop smoking– Cigarette compounds inhibit testosterone synthesis.
- Increase intake of healthy fats– Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and triglyceride fats are important for testosterone production.
- Eat foods high in Boron– Boron is a mineral that helps with testosterone and estrogen metabolism. Nuts, prunes and avocados are good sources.
Maintaining optimal testosterone levels requires a balanced diet, an active lifestyle and a healthy dose of exercise.
Testosterone levels and age
When interpreting testosterone levels, it is important to consider the woman’s age.
Young Females
- Before puberty, testosterone levels should be low.
- A high level at an early age should prompt a check for precocious growth or tumors.
- The reference ranges for pre-pubescent children must be specified in the tests.
Reproductive Age
- Women should only be tested if they have symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, infertility or acne.
- Symptomatic women need evaluation for PCOS, adrenal disorders, rare testosterone-secreting tumors, etc.
Perimenopause
- As ovaries get older, testosterone levels start to drop several years prior to menopause.
- If your levels are low and normal, you may not require treatment.
- Hormone therapy for postmenopausal women helps to control the associated symptoms.
Women Over 50
- The lowest testosterone levels are found in postmenopausal females.
- Replacement is controversial in the case of age-related deficiencies without any specific symptoms.
- It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits.
When interpreting and advising on testosterone testing, doctors take into account the changing needs of women over their lifetime.
Takeaway Points
Important pointsfemale health
- Testosterone has a wide range of health implications and is crucial for the development of female reproductive systems. Test both total and free testosterone levels.
- The normal testosterone range for women differs depending on their age. The symptoms and levels together determine whether a woman is in an abnormally high or low state.
- High testosterone can cause irregular periods, excessive hair growth, infertility and more. Causes include PCOS, adrenal tumors, medications, etc.
- Low testosterone can affect mood, sex drive and bone strength. The most common cause is primary ovarian failure following menopause.
- Clinical symptoms must guide the testing for testosterone imbalance. Rarely is it necessary to test healthy, asymptomatic females.
- Symptoms can be relieved by lifestyle modifications and medical treatment.
- It is crucial to monitor testosterone levels regularly during treatment and assess any possible side effects.
- Women’s health is dependent on maintaining a healthy testosterone balance over the course of their lives. Consulting a doctor is the best way to ensure that abnormalities are diagnosed and managed properly.
Learn more:
- The Benefits of Moringa for Women and Men
