The importance of testosterone levels in women is presented in this article. The following paragraphs will also describe the effects of increasing and decreasing levels of this hormone in females.
Testosterone belongs to the androgen group of hormones, and is actually a male chemical messenger that is secreted by the testes. The anabolic steroid is responsible for the development of reproductive tissues, secondary sexual features, and formation of prostate in men. It’s also found in the body of females, and is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters. Testosterone is secreted by the female ovaries. Scientific studies have shown that a male adult produces ten times more amount of this hormone than a female. Its ranges in both the sexes is very wide. From the biological perspective, maintaining a normal level of this hormone is utmost essential for proper functioning of the body.
Normal Levels
The amount of testosterone in females is dependent on the body’s weight, height, and internal health conditions. Age plays an important role in determining the amount of testosterone produced. Normal growth of facial hair, depth of voice, development of secondary sex organs, hair growth, etc., depend on this level. When this hormone is secreted in an inappropriate amount, then it’s bound to show detrimental effects.
The production of this chemical messenger is highest during puberty. Prepubescent girls have less than 30 ng/dl of testosterone, while the amount is at peak during puberty. There’s a marked rise in its level during the onset of puberty. The average amount of testosterone at the age of fifteen is 40-50 ng/dl, while at the age of twenty, it is approximately 70 ng/dl. There’s a gradual fall in the hormonal level at the time of menopause. Adequate amount of testosterone in a female’s body doesn’t contribute to the formation of extra muscle mass.
High Levels
High testosterone in females leads to development of masculine characters. This happens when the levels cross normal limits. It leads to reversal of feminine characters, and may cause formation of coarse skin, excessive growth of facial hair, limbs, hands, and chest. Under extreme circumstances, women might develop beard and coarse hair all over the body. Gain in muscle mass lending a masculine built is one of the visible effects of high testosterone levels in females. It can also cause severe hair loss, baldness, and change in the voice tone. Elevated levels of testosterone in women is also responsible for aggressive behavior.
Women suffering from health related issues experience the increase of this hormone as a side effect. Such diseases include Cushing’s syndrome, ovarian tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, dwarfism, and Conn’s syndrome. Apart from these ailments, there are certain other conditions that also might elevate the levels. Such health disorders are associated with malfunctioning of adrenal gland, thyroid disorders, acromegaly, adrenal hyperplasia, endocrine neoplasm, and diabetes. Excessive intake of steroid supplements can cause a rise in testosterone levels. Sudden increase can take place at any age. However, 30s is the peak time to observe such changes.
Low Levels
Women are also likely to suffer from low testosterone in their bodies. The symptoms of this condition are quite evident in the form of fatigue, depression, lack of sexual desire, gain in fat, dryness in vagina, absent of orgasms, hot flashes, and painful intercourse. Women also face difficulty to conceive, when suffering from low levels of this hormone. The genuine cause behind this is a drastic fall in the level after menopause. Excess intake of birth control pills is also one of the key reasons behind sudden fall in this hormone quantity in many women.
Other medical conditions associated with it are high blood pressure, damage of pituitary gland, meningitis, syphilis, morbid obesity, diabetes, and ovarian cancer. Females deficient in testosterone are often suggested to undergo external hormonal supplements. Testosterone therapy for women includes various methods. It could be supplemented as pills, injections, gels/creams, or pellets. The treatment is extremely sensitive, and is done under strict supervision of doctors.
You should undergo a hormonal checkup, in case you face difficulty in performing daily activities or changes in your mood behavior and sexual desires. It is highly recommended to be on the safer side.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
