Testosterone In Women: Symptoms Of High And Low Testosterone Levels

Introduction

Contrary to the popular belief that testosterone is exclusive to men and estrogen is exclusive to women; both sexes require a certain level of testosterone for optimal bodily function. Although there are significant variations in hormone levels between genders, females rely on testosterone to maintain proper bodily functions.

Contrary to popular belief, women produce more testosterone than estrogen, challenging the notion of estrogen as the primary "female hormone." While the female body produces only about 5% of the testosterone that males do, it still makes more than oestrogen.

To understand the role of testosterone in women's bodies, it is essential to explore the reasons why women require this hormone. Additionally, it is crucial to examine the potential consequences and treatment options associated with both high and low levels of testosterone in females.

Testosterone is a crucial hormone vital in various physiological processes within the female body. Testosterone plays a pivotal role in regulating muscle growth, sex drive, hair growth, and body fat in men, and it is produced in various organs such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat and skin cells. Women also benefit from testosterone.

• Fertility
  
  
• Bone health
  
  
• Breast health
  
  
• Menstrual health
  
  
• Vaginal health

Testosterone is not only essential for the male body but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the female body. It contributes to maintaining strong bones, promoting cognitive health, and supporting a healthy sex drive in women.

Women with too little testosterone may experience fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Women with too much testosterone may experience acne-increased hair growth, and their voices may become more profound.

What Are The Normal Testosterone Levels In Females?

According to the Menopause Society, an average young woman typically produces approximately 100-400 mcg of testosterone daily. It is important to note that testosterone levels can vary among individuals, and what may be considered high or low for one person may be within the normal range for another. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the overall health and symptoms of the individual when interpreting testosterone levels in females.

In addition to consulting a doctor for a blood test, at-home DIY tests are available to check your testosterone levels. These tests can be done conveniently in the comfort of your own home.

Low Testosterone In Women

It is important to note that a woman's testosterone levels naturally undergo fluctuations throughout her lifetime. Research has indicated that it is typical for testosterone levels to begin declining between the ages of 20 and 40. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize that this decrease should occur gradually and steadily rather than abruptly or significantly.

When a woman's testosterone levels drop below the minimum healthy rate of 0.5 nmol/l (15 ng/dL), she may experience a range of symptoms and complications. These can include decreased libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and strength, mood changes, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Women must consult with a healthcare professional to address and manage hormone imbalances.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Several factors can contribute to women having abnormally low levels of testosterone, just like with many other medical conditions.

A Natural Diminishing Of Hormones:

As women go through menopause, their ovaries gradually decrease hormone production, resulting in lower levels of both oestrogen and testosterone. This natural decline in hormones is the primary factor behind low testosterone in women.

Medical Problems With Ovaries 

Ovarian failure, which can be caused by various medical factors such as chemotherapy or eating disorders, is a common condition that can result in low testosterone levels in women.

Medical Problems With Adrenal/Pituitary Glands

Imbalances of various androgen hormones are commonly observed in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, which can be attributed to medical issues affecting the adrenal or pituitary glands. These conditions often lead to decreased testosterone levels.

Several types of medications have been found to lower testosterone levels in the body. These include anti-hypertensives, opiates, as well as certain forms of birth control like oral pills and contraceptive patches.

Signs And Symptoms Of Low Testosterone Levels

In women, the symptoms of low testosterone may be more challenging to detect than in men due to their subtlety. Most women will experience fatigue, low energy, and decreased sex drive.

The list of common symptoms is even longer, most notably including:

• Muscle weakness,
  
  
• Unexplained weight gain
  
  
• Density loss in bones,
  
  
• Dry vaginal skin,
  
  
• Disruptions to sleep

Due to the vast array of hormonal medical conditions that share similar symptoms, diagnosing low testosterone in women can be a challenging task. Physicians typically investigate potential causes such as menopause, ovarian failure, or adrenal insufficiency to determine the underlying issue.

Treatment Options For Low Testosterone

Given the limited research on low testosterone in women, the effectiveness of available treatment options remains controversial. Nevertheless, depending on the underlying cause, there are several potential solutions that healthcare professionals may consider prescribing to address low testosterone levels in females.

DHEA Supplements

Taking DHEA supplements can be a natural way to boost testosterone levels, especially in women, as it acts as a precursor to testosterone and supports its production.

Estratest

While Estratest, a medication prescribed to post-menopausal women to increase estrogen levels, does contain small amounts of synthetic testosterone, its efficacy may not be on par with naturally produced testosterone.

Prescription Testosterone (Testosterone Therapy)

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is commonly prescribed to women with low testosterone levels, and it can be administered through testosterone injections, oral pills, skin-implanted pellets, or gel creams. These various forms of TRT provide effective solutions for women experiencing low testosterone.

These methods are predominantly employed in the treatment of low testosterone in males due to the potential for adverse effects in females resulting from a sudden and significant surge in testosterone levels.

There are several side effects, including, but not limited to:

• Hair loss (male pattern baldness)
  
  
• An enlarged clitoris.
  
  
• Acne
  
  
• A deepened voice
  
  
• Excessive facial hair

Nevertheless, there is one specific medical condition in which doctors may recommend treatment. Female Androgen Deficiency Syndrome, as defined by the NHS, is a sexual dysfunction characterized by symptoms such as low libido, excessive fatigue, and impaired concentration.

High Testosterone Levels In Women

However, it is essential to note that women producing excessive amounts of testosterone is a recognized medical condition. While testosterone is typically associated with male hormone levels, when a woman's testosterone levels exceed 2.4nmol/l (70 ng/dL), she may experience troubling symptoms.

Causes Of High Testosterone Levels

Elevated levels of testosterone in women can often be attributed to two common medical conditions. These conditions are typically responsible for the hormonal imbalance and can lead to various symptoms and complications.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

CAH is characterized by impaired adrenal gland function, leading to abnormal hormone production. In women with CAH, the deficiency of a crucial enzyme disrupts the regulation of cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone levels, causing a decrease in cortisol and an increase in testosterone.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS, a hormonal disorder, is caused by an overproduction of androgen hormones, particularly testosterone, and it is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women in the EU.

Three main symptoms characterize PCOS:

• Periods of irregularity or prolongation
  
  
• A physical sign of increased androgen hormones (excessive hair on the body, etc.).
  
  
• Ovaries with polycystic cysts (expanded ovaries surrounded by fluid-filled sacs).

Moreover, PCOS can also lead to a range of other medical complications, such as difficulties in conceiving, weight gain and obesity, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and a higher likelihood of developing endometrial cancer.

Symptoms And Indications Of High Testosterone Levels

The symptoms of elevated testosterone levels will vary depending on the underlying medical condition, as previously stated. The symptoms of high testosterone levels can vary depending on the specific medical condition causing it, as mentioned below.

• Clitoris that is larger than normal
  
  
• The growth of hair in a male pattern is excessive
  
  
• The size of the breasts is reduced
  
  
• Hair loss
  
  
• Muscle mass increased
  
  
• Mood swings

The severity of these symptoms correlates directly with the severity of the underlying medical condition that is responsible for the elevated levels of testosterone.

High Testosterone Treatment

To diagnose high testosterone in women, doctors will conduct a physical examination, inquire about symptoms, and administer vital blood tests or ultrasounds to identify any underlying medical conditions. The appropriate treatment for high testosterone will then be determined based on the cause. A doctor may suggest various treatment options to manage the symptoms effectively.

Medication

There are different medications available to treat high testosterone levels in women, depending on the specific condition and accompanying symptoms. These treatment options include topical creams and oral pills to help regulate hormone levels and alleviate the associated symptoms.

• It comprises eflornithine (a skin cream used to slow facial hair growth).
  
  
• Steroids that reduce inflammation (glucocorticoids for the body).
  
  
• The progesterone hormone regulates periods and improves fertility).
  
  
• Spironolactone (a diuretic used to reduce excessive female hair growth).

While oral contraceptives can effectively inhibit testosterone production, it is essential to note that they are primarily intended for use as a method of birth control in women.

Hair Removal Treatments 

Although hair removal treatments can effectively manage unwanted hair growth, it is essential to note that they address the surface issue and do not tackle the root cause of excessive hair growth, which may be attributed to underlying medical conditions.

There are two primary types of hair removal treatments that women can use in conjunction with medications to achieve optimal results. These treatments include:

• Electrolysis (damaging unwanted hair follicles with a pulse of electric current).
  
  
• A laser light is used to damage the hair follicles with laser therapy (using a laser to damage the hair follicles).

Lifestyle Changes:

Making positive changes can profoundly impact hormone imbalance and high testosterone levels. Even a modest weight loss of just 5% can significantly alleviate symptoms of PCOS and reduce the risk of developing additional complications.

Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are effective methods for weight loss. One of the critical recommendations for women looking to improve their eating habits is to incorporate more foods into their diet that help regulate their blood sugar levels and boost their zinc intake. It is believed that the following foods naturally decrease testosterone levels:

• PCOS women may benefit from the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in nuts.
  
  
• An anti-androgen effect has been attributed to spearmint tea.
  
  
• According to research, omega-3 fatty acids in fish may promote a healthy menstrual cycle. 

Final Thoughts:

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect that you have low or high testosterone levels, as these imbalances are typically linked to underlying medical conditions. Remember, you are not alone in facing this issue, so don't hesitate to seek support and guidance.

You can take comfort in knowing that there are numerous treatment options at your disposal to alleviate symptoms and address the root cause of elevated testosterone levels. Identifying the underlying medical issue will enable you to tackle the problem head-on effectively.