The hormones are substances that are produced in the human body and are vital for the normal functioning of the body. One of the most popular hormones is testosterone, which might be hard for you to believe, but it is present in both the male and the female body. But how much testosterone actually is there in the female body? And what is it responsible for?
In the following article, we will discuss the importance of testosterone for the female body and you can get the answers to your questions that you have been looking for.
Do women have testosterone in their bodies as well?
Testosterone is a hormone which belongs to a group known as androgens. Thanks to its increased production in the period of puberty, certain changes start to take over the male body. These changes include body and facial hair growth, increased energy levels, an increase in muscle mass, an increase in sexual desire, regulation of sperm production, change in behavior etc. Testosterone is considered to be the main male reproductive hormone produced in the testicles.
However, despite popular beliefs, the female body, or its ovaries and adrenal glands, produces small amounts of testosterone as well. This is similar to how the male bodies contain small amounts of estrogen hormone in their bodies. So testosterone is present in the female body as well, although its levels are not anything like those in the male body.
What are the normal testosterone levels in women?
So what is considered to be normal testosterone levels in women? It has been suggested that young women have only 10% of the testosterone levels which are present in the male bodies. But things change by the time women turn the age of 40.
By the age of 40, women are suggested to have half of the amount of testosterone that is present in the male body at the same age. By the time women reach menopause, some of them are thought to have even higher levels of testosterone compared to men at the same age.
For men, normal testosterone levels are considered anything between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter which is much higher to what is present in the female body which is around 15 and 70 nanograms per deciliter testosterone. Of course, as we mentioned earlier, these numbers change with age.
Low and high testosterone levels are noticed among men and women as well, caused by various factors. But before we discuss the effects and causes of low and high testosterone levels, first let’s review the effects of the normal testosterone levels in the female body.
The effects of testosterone in the female body
The normal testosterone levels are essential for women as for men. In the following, we will list some of the most popular testosterone effects in the female body so that you can understand its importance better and learn to appreciate it.
It enhances your cognitive abilities
A study published in 2014 found that testosterone replacement therapy has helped women to increase their low testosterone levels and with that enhance their cognitive abilities. In addition, since testosterone and estrogen have been found to be present in low levels among female patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it has been suggested that increase these levels would help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
It keeps the bones strong and healthy
Since postmenopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis, it is considered that increasing their testosterone levels to normal would help in preventing fractures and preserving bone health. Scientific research published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging has discovered that testosterone is essential as it promotes bone health.
It maintains the female libido within healthy levels
Normal testosterone levels is what maintains the female libido high and strong. Same as in men, testosterone provides women with high libido, sexual stamina, and energy levels which are all vital for a satisfying sex life and experience.
The effects of low and high testosterone levels in women
Similar to how the estrogen production starts to decline with the aging process, the testosterone production starts to decline as well between the age of 20 and 40. Low testosterone levels in females are linked to a decline in libido and sexual stamina, vaginal dryness, weak bones with an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis, menstrual period problems – irregular or missed periods, and even fertility issues.
On the other hand, testosterone levels might be higher than usual due to various reasons, among which menopause is the most common one. As you know due to the period of menopause, women experience hormonal changes with a decline in estrogen and progesterone – the main female reproductive hormones and experience an increase in testosterone levels. These hormonal changes cause certain body changes to take place.
Apart from menopause, other conditions are reported to cause high testosterone levels including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and use of steroids. High testosterone levels can lead to serious health issues including insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, etc. The symptoms of high testosterone levels in women include acne, increased muscle mass, mood changes, irregular periods, increased the size of the clitoris, loss of libido, the increased presence of facial and body hair etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is totally normal, and beneficial, to have testosterone in your female body. It is what keeps your bones strong and healthy, your libido high and away from any risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, you better watch out for any decline or an increase in testosterone levels because as you can see, both of these conditions have certain negative effects on the human body.
