What does testosterone do for women?
Balanced levels of testosterone support the health and wellness of women throughout life, yet much like males, we are seeing a reduction in women’s testosterone levels throughout the world. What with testosterone playing a vital role in the regulation of a female’s sexual function, bone density and weight management, hormonal correction is strongly advised.
The influence of testosterone in women is vital, regardless if oestrogen is considered the primary sex hormone for women. It turns out that women have more testosterone circulating in their blood than oestrogen.
Testosterone levels in women are clearly not going to be as high as what circulates in men. Women have roughly one-tenth of that which is present in men, however, just like their male counterparts, a woman’s testosterone levels will decline alongside the ageing process.
The amount of testosterone that is ordinarily present in a woman will vary depending on age, where she is at in her menstrual cycle, and whether or not she is pregnant. There are also medical conditions which affect a woman’s testosterone levels.
What is the Normal Range for Testosterone in Women?
The normal range for total testosterone in women: 8 to 60 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The range for free testosterone has shown to decrease gradually with age.
Testosterone and its role in women’s health
Testosterone plays a crucial role in the regulation of the following:
- Female sexual function: Desire, Arousal, Orgasm
- Mood and Cognition
- Testosterone is needed in women for bone mineralisation, which is the conversion of minerals in diet into bone matter.
An improved sexual function has been reported in post-menopausal women after they have undergone testosterone replacement therapy for their testosterone deficiency.
Bone health reduces dramatically with testosterone deficiency. Bone density becomes diminished and the degeneration continues until osteoporosis is developed. This fragility of the bones makes a woman more vulnerable to fractures.
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What is the Normal Range for Testosterone in Women?
The normal range for total testosterone in women: 8 to 60 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The range for free testosterone has shown to decrease gradually with age.
Pregnancy and Testosterone Levels in Women
Pregnant women with high levels of testosterone were shown to give birth to smaller babies in both weight and length.
Studies involving animals discovered that maternal androgen levels played a role in fetal development. To find out whether human subjects were influenced in the same manner researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology underwent a clinical study for answers. Published in the January 2006 issue of the “European Journal of Endocrinology.”., it went on to explain that pregnant women with high levels of testosterone typically gave birth to smaller babies in both weight and length. The researchers concluded there was a growth restriction occurring in the womb due to the subject’s elevated testosterone levels.
High testosterone levels in expecting mothers is correlated with the birth of a boy
Another study that was published in the “American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” recorded the testosterone levels of pregnant women partaking in the study. The measurement was taken during the first half of their pregnancy starting from week 7 and ending at week 20. After the subjects had given birth to their child, the testosterone levels were again recorded. The findings were that testosterone levels of the mother had a strong correlation with the gender of the fetus. The women with the higher testosterone levels all gave birth to boys in comparison to the other participants who gave birth to girls and had lower levels of testosterone.
High testosterone levels have a strong association with fertility.
Studying whether high testosterone levels play a role in fertility, researchers linked increased rates of lseptate uterus (uterine abnormality and a risk factor for miscarriage)was occurring in women with elevated testosterone levels. The study, was then published in the June 2004 issue of “Diabetologia Croatia.”
Medical Reasons for Elevated Testosterone Levels in Women:
- Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
- Thyroid Disorders
- Stress
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Idiopathic Hirsutism
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Androgen secreting ovarian or adrenal tumours
What are some of the signs that a woman’s testosterone levels are high?
- irregular or absent menstrual periods
- increased body hair
- frontal balding
- acne
- increased muscle mass
- deepening of the voice
- obesity
- high blood pressure
Common medical causes of low testosterone in women:
- Oestrogen replacement therapy
- Primary ovarian failure or insufficiency
- Secondary ovarian failure
- Hypopituitarism
- Dysfunction of the adrenal axis
- Chemotherapy drugs
Testosterone deficiency – Menopause and Low Testosterone Levels
Menopause represents a time when women experience hormonal imbalances and deficiencies. One of the hormones to decline is testosterone. This reduction is commonly correlated to reduced libido. Clinical studies have indicated that testosterone replacement may increase sexual desire and function in perimenopausal and post-menopausal women. Testosterone replacement not suggested in women with breast or uterine cancer. It also increases the risk of heart and liver disease. Dr’s are hesitant to recommend this therapy because of these risks.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
- Decreased sex drive
- Inability to build or maintain muscle mass
- Depression and Irritability
- Increased weight gain
- Decreased energy
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
