Testosterone, often associated with masculinity, plays a significant role in both male and female bodies. While it’s commonly considered a male hormone, women also rely on testosterone for vital functions. In this article, we’ll explore the biological function of testosterone in women and delve into what happens when levels are either too high or too low.
Biological Function of Testosterone in Women
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what testosterone does in women. It’s not just hanging out in the background; it’s a hormone superstar! Your body produces it in the ovaries, adrenal glands (those little guys on top of your kidneys), and even fat cells. And here’s why it’s a big deal:
Hormone Production: Testosterone helps make other hormones work smoothly.
Bone Density: It’s your bone’s best friend, keeping them strong.
Muscle Strength: Ever wanted some extra muscle power? Thank testosterone.
Organ Health: Yep, it keeps your organs ticking happily.
Adrenal Glands: Hormone Control Center
Believe it or not, testosterone isn’t the only hormone that crosses gender lines. Estrogen, a female hormone, makes appearances in male bodies too. Talk about a hormonal crossover! So, men also have their own version of “estrogen” called estradiol. Their levels can vary a lot, with the normal range being 28.0 to 156.0 pmol/L.
When Testosterone Levels Take a Dip
Alright, let’s chat about what happens when testosterone levels decide to take a dive. For girls, these levels start to rise between the ages of 6 and 8. When you have your first period (menarche), your ovaries start doing the testosterone dance. This means your levels can vary throughout the month based on your menstrual cycle. During the mid-cycle and the luteal phase (that’s the last stage), testosterone levels are rocking high.
But, here’s the kicker: once you hit your thirties, testosterone starts a gradual decline. By the time you reach menopause, you’ve lost about 60% of your total testosterone pool. A low testosterone level is when it drops below 15 ng/dL. This can lead to some not-so-fun symptoms like a decreased sex drive, mood swings, weaker muscles, and extra body fat. Don’t sweat it, though; low levels may be completely normal depending on your age. Really low levels might signal a problem with your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or ovaries.
When Testosterone Takes a High Road
On the flip side, let’s talk about what happens when testosterone levels decide to go all-out. Testosterone is known for shaping male characteristics, and when women have too much of it, things can get interesting. A typical testosterone range for women during their reproductive years is 15 to 46 ng/dL. Anything over 46 ng/dL is considered high.
High testosterone levels in women might lead to some surprising changes, like acne, more facial and body hair, hair loss on the scalp, a deeper voice, irregular periods, and even fertility issues. Ever heard of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? It’s a common culprit for high testosterone in women. Other sneaky causes could be adrenal or pituitary gland disorders or even ovarian cancer.
How Do We Test This Testosterone?
Curious about your testosterone levels? Well, there are a few ways to find out, and your friendly neighborhood healthcare provider will help you pick the right one based on your symptoms and overall health. The top choices for checking your testosterone levels are:
Total Testosterone Test: This one measures all the testosterone in your blood, the free stuff and the kind attached to proteins. It’s the most common test.
Free Testosterone Test: This checks the active form of testosterone in your bloodstream.
Bioavailable Testosterone Test: Here, we’re looking at both the free testosterone and the testosterone that’s hanging out with a protein called albumin.
So, what can you do if your testosterone levels need a little tweaking? Whether they’re too low or too high, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves.
Boosting Low Testosterone Levels
For those with testosterone levels on the lower side, hormone therapy (HT) can be a game-changer. Healthcare providers may recommend testosterone therapy if bothersome symptoms like a loss of sexual desire are experienced. However, it’s essential to note that testosterone treatment for women lacks approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research indicates potential benefits, such as improved muscle strength and cognitive performance, but it may also carry an increased risk of heart disease.
Lowering Testosterone Levels
For those with elevated testosterone levels, lifestyle modifications are typically the first course of action. A study involving overweight or obese women showed that weight loss achieved through diet and exercise led to a 15.6% reduction in testosterone levels.
Effective lifestyle changes to lower testosterone levels encompass:
Weight loss (if overweight or obese)
Regular physical activity
A diet low in dairy and carbohydrates
If lifestyle adjustments fail to yield the desired results, healthcare providers may recommend medication options, including birth control pills or antiandrogens, to reduce testosterone levels.
So, there you have it, the fascinating world of testosterone in women. It’s not just about gender; it’s about keeping our bodies running smoothly, no matter who we are.
