Most people think that women do not produce testosterone because it is usually regarded as a male sex hormone.
However, for women, testosterone is just as essential as estrogen.
So, I conducted extensive research to understand testosterone’s role in women’s bodies fully.
In addition, I consulted an experienced doctor to better explain the indicators and remedies for hormonal fluctuations.
Keep on reading to learn what I found out.
Quick Summary
- Testosterone is an essential component of female libido, stamina, and the repair of reproductive tissues.
- Testosterone in women varies, ranging between 15 and 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood.
- Women who undergo testosterone therapy can suffer from male pattern baldness and body hair development on the chest and face.
How Does Testosterone Affect Women?
Testosterone affects women by maintaining their mood, energy, sexual desire, and physical health.
Women generate testosterone in their adrenal glands and ovaries; however, not in the same quantities as males. [1].
Normal testosterone levels in women serve various roles in general health:
- It promotes bone health: The right amount of testosterone levels in women promotes bone development and strength, but too little or too much might be harmful. Research shows estrogen and testosterone are required for bone growth [2].
- It benefits cognitive health: As per Endocrine Society recommendations issued in 2014, testosterone does have a neuroprotective impact in women [3].
During spatial cognition tests, testosterone appeared to stimulate a widespread cortical pathway, the ventral processing channel, and testosterone supplementation enhances spatial cognition in both younger and older women [4].
Another study discovered that greater testosterone levels in premenopausal female plasma were associated with better performance in mathematics and spatial-relations tasks [5].
- It maintains the sex drive: A new research provides some of the greatest clinical evidence that the hormone can assist many postmenopausal women experiencing sexual desire difficulties to get into the mood. According to a study, the hormone testosterone might increase sexual function in certain populations of women [6].
"The hormone is an integral component of desire, fantasy, and sexual thoughts in women, and it even helps supply energy for sex."
- Aaron Spitz, Doctor of Medicine, Urologist
The Standard Testosterone Level for Women
A blood test can be used to evaluate testosterone and other androgen levels.
Normal testosterone in women varies between 15 and 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood.
Testosterone levels less than 15 ng/dL may cause:
- Alteration in breast tissue
- Fertility issues
- Low sexual drive
- Osteoporosis
- Vaginal dryness
Testosterone above 70 ng/dL might cause acne, blood sugar disorders, excessive hair growth, and fertility problems [7].
What Happens When Testosterone Levels Rise or Fall?
When testosterone levels rise or fall, you may experience an irregular or missing menstrual cycle.
Women with fluctuating hormonal levels may also experience excessive body hair growth.
Other possible side effects include frontal baldness, acne, a swollen clitoris, higher muscle mass, and voice deepening.
Moreover, excess testosterone hormone levels can lead to infertility, and the effects are common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that can lead to infertility in women of reproductive age.
The symptoms of this disorder are comparable to those caused by excessive free testosterone levels in women [8].
PCOS has been linked to:
- Insulin sensitivity
- Intolerance to carbohydrates
- Low HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels
- High triglyceride level
- Increased LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Increased amounts of male sex hormones in the blood
These risks may increase the chances of having heart disease in women with PCOS as they age.
By the time they reach menopause, women may have had a steady fall in testosterone since their twenties.
This drop might be detected through a decreased libido or hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Some research suggests that testosterone treatment may improve sexual performance in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women [9].
However, testosterone supplementation is not recommended for women who suffer from breast and uterine cancer.
Moreover, it may raise the likelihood of developing heart or liver diseases.
As a result, we are always cautious about recommending this treatment to our clients.
Related Articles:
Can Women Treat Abnormal Testosterone Levels Naturally?
Women can treat abnormal testosterone levels naturally by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating right and exercising.
I always encourage my clients to get their testosterone levels checked as they might have an underlying medical issue creating the imbalance.
Here is how to treat abnormal levels of testosterone naturally.
Low Testosterone Levels
Lifestyle adjustments may considerably enhance endocrine system activities by supporting hormonal balance, particularly when it comes to naturally raising testosterone [10].
Women can boost testosterone naturally by doing moderate strength and resistance training twice or three times each week and adopting a healthy diet.
Maintaining healthy behaviors is another thing to consider, including getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and increasing sexual engagement.
Testosterone insufficiency occurring due to another medical issue or surgery may be treated with androgen therapy.
Some older short-term evidence shows that testosterone therapy treatment can boost desire in women with low amounts of these sex hormones [11].
However, physicians often advise avoiding testosterone replacement therapy for women since it can cause male pattern baldness and body hair growth [12].
High Testosterone Levels
Elevated testosterone in women might suggest adrenal disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or ovarian malignancy [13].
Before beginning any testosterone-lowering regimen, it is critical to first consult with a healthcare professional.
What treatment they propose is typically determined by the causes of high testosterone in women.
A healthcare professional may prescribe lifestyle adjustments to lower testosterone levels in women, including diet modifications, for longer-term outcomes.
They may also suggest medication or testosterone therapy to alleviate excess hair or acne symptoms.
Lifestyle adjustments have been shown to significantly improve the living standard of those with too much testosterone levels.
For one, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight may help treat hormone imbalance symptoms.
FAQs
Do Females Naturally Produce Testosterone?
Yes, females naturally produce testosterone. The adrenal glands and ovaries release modest amounts of testosterone into circulation.
How Can You Tell if a Woman Has High Testosterone?
You can tell a woman has high testosterone through the symptoms, which include acne, deep voice, irregular periods, and loss of libido.
What Does a Lack of Testosterone Do to a Woman?
A lack of testosterone decreases a woman's libido, causing weight gain and mood swings.
How Important Is Testosterone for Women?
Testosterone does not only affect female libido but also impacts muscle development and cognitive functions.
Having that in mind, low testosterone levels can lead to some serious adverse effects, such as mood changes, low energy, and weight gain.
To maintain healthy hormonal levels, I advise my clients to combine a healthy diet and exercise regimen with only high-quality testosterone boosters.
After testing dozens of products, we’ve gathered the safest and most effective supplements currently available.
We found that these boosters helped with body composition, fatigue, motivation, and general well-being.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26358173/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5036835/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25279570/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17178554/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1745699/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6780739/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216175/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9340349/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15889125/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474615/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6329173/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4307073/
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