What is testosterone (T- hormone)?
Testosterone is one of the numerous hormones found in a woman’s body. It’s essentially a masculinizing hormone important for sexual function. However, women also have testosterone but in much smaller amounts.
Table 1: Different types of male and female sex hormones
Benefits of testosterone in women
Testosterone has many physiological effects in the female body.
Key roles testosterone can play in a woman’s health
- Maintenance and growth of bones
- Increases muscle mass
- Decreases body fat
- Supports a healthy libido or sex drive
- May help decrease vaginal atrophy
- May help support cardiovascular health
Causes of Low Testosterone
The production of testosterone increases significantly during puberty, and dips after age 30 or so. Testosterone levels decline steadily throughout the lifetime of an adult woman. As a result, post-menopausal women have lower testosterone levels. Women who have their ovaries removed or have lost their ovarian function because of a cause such as chemotherapy use about half of their testosterone pool. Women having problems with the pituitary of the adrenal gland can also have a low testosterone level. This can manifest as low sexual desire and poor arousal.
Signs and Symptoms of low testosterone in women
Even though testosterone is widely considered as a male sex hormone it is necessary for the optimal health of women, particularly when they reach peri-menopause and menopause. Testosterone has an effect on the sex drive and mental health of women.
The table below describes some of the symptoms of low testosterone in women.
Sexual
Systemic
Mood
Immune system
Disinterest in sex
Fatigue
Loss of zest for life
Dry eyes
Negative body image
Insomnia
Anxiety/Depression
Pain
Avoiding intimacy
Migrane
Inability to organise
Arthritis
Inability to orgasm
Belly fat/weight gain
Loss of motivation
Osteoporosis
Low self-esteem
Decreased stamina
Loss of joy for living
Loss of balance
Loss of self-identity
Loss of memory
Loss of sense of well-being
Loss of strength
Signs and Symptoms of high testosterone in women
High testosterone or high androgens are most commonly encountered in PCOS. They can also occur in women just 2 years into starting their period or can be idiopathic meaning without a known cause.
Too much testosterone can affect a woman’s physical appearance and lead to
- Excess body hair, specifically facial hair
- Balding
- Acne
- Enlarged clitoris
- Decreased breast size
- Deepening of the voice
- Increased muscle mass
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Low libido
- Changes in mood
What can we do to keep testosterone levels in check in women?
If there is a fluctuation in testosterone levels the first step should be to visit a doctor to address your concerns. It is important that not just your hormone levels but your symptoms are also taken care of. Your acne and excess facial growth can be addressed by a gynaecologist or a skin care specialist and any symptoms relating to low testosterone such as mental health changes or low sex drive can by addressed by a psychiatrist. It’s also important to visit a doctor to rule out any other mental health issue you may have.
What can really help even before you visit a doctor is a change in lifestyle. Anything that affects your overall health affects your testosterone levels. This can include a change in diet, drinking less and quitting smoking. This can help maintain healthy testosterone levels in the body. Always talk to your physician before starting any testosterone or related medications.
It’s important to remember adequate amounts of T are essential for physical, mental and emotional health in both the sexes.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.