The role of testosterone in the female body

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Testosterone is popularly known as the male hormone, but it is present in both men and women, and is also an important female hormone.

Although it helps with male sexuality and appearance , this hormone also serves to protect the brain, muscles, heart, and bones . Therefore, it is essential for both sexes.

Unlike estrogen and progesterone (two female hormones), testosterone levels in women are ten times lower than in men. It is produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands .

1. What are the benefits of testosterone in women?

Some medical and scientific studies have shown that testosterone production in women helps improve body functions.

1. It helps in the production of estrogens .
2. Increases muscular endurance .
3. Improves sexual relations .
4. Helps reduce the symptoms of menopause .
5. Improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow and dilating blood vessels.
6. It helps reduce stress and improve cognitive health .
7. It has also been proven that an increase, in normal amounts, in testosterone levels can favorably influence overweight and obesity .
8. It influences the prevention of type 2 diabetes .
9. It protects the body against the development of breast cancer and reduces the risk of osteoporosis .

The studies also demonstrate the different effects that the hormone testosterone can have on the health of women and men. Based on the results, the need for sex-specific genetic analysis in future clinical research for its use as a supplement is highlighted, as high doses may have contraindications in women.

2. What happens if a woman has high testosterone?

There are several symptoms associated with increased testosterone in women:

• Oily skin.
• Abundant acne.
• Decreased breast size.
• Absence of menstruation and alterations in ovulation that can sometimes lead to infertility.
• Increase in the size of the clitoris.
• Large-scale hair loss (alopecia).
• Increased body hair (in extreme cases, on the face and chest) called hirsutism.
• Noticeably deeper voice.
• Spontaneous abortions.

In a woman's body, testosterone levels increase more frequently during two specific life stages: during puberty , a time of major physical changes and hormonal alterations, and during menopause , a time when estrogen levels also drop dramatically.

Beyond puberty, menopause, and other hormonal changes, abnormally high testosterone production can also be caused by PCOS or other conditions. It's important to keep in mind that high testosterone can be a symptom of PCOS or a cause of it. A professional evaluation is recommended.

3. What does a lack of testosterone cause in women and how does it affect them?

Interestingly, the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in women are the same as in men:

• Loss of sexual desire
• Decreased cognitive abilities
• Loss of muscle mass
• Fat gain
• Osteoporosis
• Difficulty getting aroused or reaching orgasm
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• General malaise

It should be noted that in women, testosterone is produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands, so the removal of these organs often results in a deficiency that can lead to the aforementioned symptoms.

Recurrent medications such as oral contraceptive use, lack of moderate to intense physical exercise, and poor diet are factors linked to a lack of testosterone production in women. Recognizing the symptoms can help identify the underlying cause of this deficiency. The healthcare professional is responsible for prescribing medication solutions.

How do you know what your testosterone levels are?

If you suspect irregularities with your testosterone levels, you can undergo a medical blood test to monitor your hormone levels. Testosterone level testing requires no special preparation and carries almost no risks.

In general, the testosterone level considered normal in women should be between 14 – 76 ng/dl and any fluctuation outside this range is considered abnormal.

Most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to proteins . Testosterone that is not bound to protein is called free testosterone. There are two types of testosterone tests:

• Total testosterone : Measures bound and free testosterone.
• Free testosterone : Measures only free testosterone. Free testosterone can provide more information about certain medical conditions.

As always, a healthy lifestyle that includes moderate-to-high-intensity exercise, a healthy diet rich in calories and micronutrients and whole-grain vegetables, rest, sun exposure, and minimal medication use, as well as regular medical checkups, minimizes the risk of hormonal changes.

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