Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is also produced by the female body. Many women do not even realise this, and those who do know it is present do not consider the hormone to be significant for their health. But in fact, it plays a big role for the female body. Testosterone is responsible for the development of the follicle in the ovaries, is involved in the formation of the skeleton, normalizes the functioning of the bone marrow. Thanks to it raises the mood.
In women, compared with men, testosterone levels are ten times lower. It is important that its level was in normal range. Deficiency or excessive amount of male hormone has a negative impact on the well-being of the fairer sex.
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High levels of testosterone in women
In medicine, an excessive level of testosterone is called hyperandrogenism. It comes in adrenal and ovarian origin.
An excessive concentration of male hormone negatively affects the hormonal balance in the female body, which in turn causes health problems, manifested in such pathologies
- menstrual cycle disorders, in some cases even the cessation of the menstrual cycle;
- Ovulation disorders or complete absence of ovulation;
- The appearance of male characteristics: increased body hair growth in areas atypical for women, baldness, acne, enlarged clitoris.
The presence of one or even several symptoms does not yet indicate the presence of hyperandrogenism. It happens that women with masculine features and facial hairiness are not diagnosed with the disease, whereas outwardly feminine individuals may suffer from it.
Causes
Various factors may cause high concentrations of male hormone in the blood:
- Unsustainable diet;
- Increased adrenal gland activity;
- genetic predisposition;
- certain medications;
- Ovarian cancer.
Possible effects
When testosterone levels are high in the female body, there is dysfunction of the ovaries in which the female sex hormones mature. Consequently, women may find it difficult to conceive and bear a child. There is an increased risk of complications during childbirth. In some cases infertility may develop. Diabetes mellitus is more likely to occur.
How to deal with the problem
It is easier to treat the disease in its early stages. Therefore, if you suspect hyperandrogenism, it is worth going straight to your gynaecologist for a diagnosis. If the blood test confirms the concerns, the doctor will prescribe medication therapy. Self-treatment is very dangerous – joking with the hormonal system is not good.
Even after a successful course, there may be a relapse of the disease. Therefore, it is important to monitor the level of the hormone in the future.
Testosterone in pregnant women
During pregnancy, an excessive level of male hormone is normal, because its additional production by the placenta is a natural process. Critical levels of testosterone occur from weeks 4 to 8 and 13 to 20. During these periods, the risk of miscarriage increases. It is important to monitor the entire hormonal system for normal pregnancy.
Low testosterone levels in women
Deficiency of male hormone in the female body affects the general condition, accelerates fatigue and has a negative effect on the CNS. Reduced testosterone levels are accompanied by the following signs:
- decreased sex drive;
- inability to have an orgasm;
- sagging skin;
- constant weakness and apathy;
- loss of muscle mass;
- loss of strength.
Male hormone deficiency in the blood may indicate various diseases: uterine myoma, endometriosis, osteoporosis, hyperestrogenism, breast cancer, etc.
Causes
Lead to a decrease in testosterone may be the following factors:
- Physiological irreversible processes – with age the ovaries reduce their functionality;
- A number of diseases related to the adrenal glands or pituitary gland;
- Taking hormonal drugs, which are often prescribed for contraception or to reduce the side effects that occur during menopause.
How to normalise testosterone levels
It is worth seeking help from a gynaecologist and an endocrinologist. Only a specialist can prescribe suitable medication. Simple recommendations should also be followed:
- Include more poultry, fruit and vegetables and fatty fish in your diet;
- Limit sweets and sweets;
- stop drinking coffee and alcohol;
- exercise;
- get enough sleep – you should get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
It is important to remember that each case is different. Therefore, the methods that suited one woman, not always help another.
How to properly identify the level of testosterone in the body.
In women, the concentration of male hormone in the blood fluctuates depending on the menstrual cycle. It is best to take the test on the 6th or 7th day. The day before the test is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages and smoke. Blood is taken on an empty stomach – at least 12 hours must pass since the last meal. You may only drink clean water. If you follow these recommendations, you will get a reliable result.