Testosterone in women, why it grows, it falls and what to do

Testosterone is considered a purely male hormone. And in vain. The weaker sex the androgen (so called male hormones) is necessary not less than strong. But there are nuances.

Why women testosterone

This word many people associate with something emotional - masculinity, aggression, pressure. However, all this testosterone machismo only pobochka, if not a mythTestosterone - What It Does And Does not Do. We fully hormone is much more important tasks than the transformation of a man in the macho. And these features - are common to both sexes.

Testosterone plays a key role in dozens of processes inside the body. He (in the company of other substances, of course) provides the strength of bones, is involved in the production of red blood cells, affects the processing of fat, strengthens muscles, affects the mood brain and cognitive capabilities, strengthens or weakens the sexual desire in different periods of life... In general, functions do not count, and the female body without testosterone is as unthinkable as the male.

There is another factor that makes it necessary to testosterone for women. Male hormone - is an indispensable precursor toConversion of blood androgens to estrogens in normal adult men and women female sex hormones. That is of testosterone produced estrogens. The ones that make a woman a woman in many ways: start puberty, forced to grow breasts, "include" and allow menstruation to become pregnant and bear fruit.

From this, by the way, it is paradoxical fact: the less a woman "male" hormone, so it is less feminine because estrogen she too is in short supply. However, and an increased amount of testosterone is also no good does not result.

How to recognize that the level of testosterone in women is different from normal

Experienced therapists can even do this by eye. Here are some indirect, but visual symptomsNormal Testosterone and Estrogen Levels in Women, The combination of which suggests that there is an important hormone that something is not right.

Signs of increased testosterone in women

1. Poor skin condition. She's too fat, a lot of acne on it.
2. Hairiness. The woman appeared mustache on his upper lip and his hair male pattern in other parts of the body. At the same time some ladies at the same time developing frontal baldness.
3. The dramatic decline in voice.
4. Increase in muscle mass.
5. Enlarged clitoris.
6. Obesity. FIG becomes "an Apple": Highly fattening waist, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and the legs remain slim.
7. Menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women

1. Excess weight. The lack of the hormone affects the shape as well as an excess.
2. Muscle weakness, lethargy. The body looks loose and helpless.
3. Constant fatigue, depressed mood.
4. Decreased libido: the woman does not want sex.
5. Problems with memory and purpose.

Of course, all these symptoms - indirect. They allow only suspect abnormal testosterone levels. To confirm or refute the hypothesis, it is necessary to do a blood test on the overall level of the hormone.

What should be the rate of testosterone in women

Having handed over the analysis, you can compare for yourself the results with the standard - standardsTestosterone, Total, Bioavailable, and Free, Serum Testosterone for women of all ages. Hormone levels are measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng / dl). If the form with test results you can see other units, convert them to ng / dL here.

• 12-16 years old: <7-75 ng / dL;
• 17-18: 20-75 ng / dl;
• 19 years and over: 8-60 ng / dL.

Reasons testosterone surges can be very different, from very natural to dangerous.

Why testosterone in women can be reduced

Typically, there are three main reasonsWhat happens when a woman has low testosterone?:

1. The natural decline in hormone levels associated with aging and menopause. With age, the ovaries function less actively, including produce less testosterone.
2. Acceptance of hormonal drugs - the same birth control pills or pills to reduce the side effects of menopause. They contain estrogen, which causes our body to produce less testosterone.
3. Diseases of the ovaries, adrenals, or pituitary - the main suppliers of androgen in the body.

Why testosterone in women can be upgraded

For increasing the amount of testosterone is most often responsibleWhat happens when a woman has low testosterone?:

1. Hirsutism. So is a genetic disease that leads to increased testosterone production. Hirsutism outwardly manifests itself abundant growth of hair on the face, chest, arms and legs.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a disease of the endocrine system, which is pobochki increased production of sex hormones.
3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. People with this disease is not one of the enzymes that control the production of sex hormones.

What if the testosterone level is higher or lower than they should

If the results of your tests have shown that androgen levels outside the norm, you should consult with a physician.

With hormones to be trifled with, so to correct any deviation from the norm of testosterone should be in close contact with the doctor - a physician, gynecologist or endocrinologist. Only a specialist can help you avoid confusing hormonal imbalance with other diseases that have similar symptoms. In addition, the physician will set the most probable cause of the failure, and hence, will pick up an effective treatment.

If serious deviations from the norm are usually prescribed hormonal drugs. If the imbalance is small, your doctor may recommend amend Lifestyle:

1. Normalize weight. Adipose tissue affects the hormones, including testosterone. It is important to note the following: if men are overweight lowers the level of androgen, the women, in contrast, increasesGender differences in serum leptin in obese people: relationships with testosterone, body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity.
2. Correct nutrition. Studies show that fat and cholesterol in the diet increasesTestosterone and cortisol in relationship to dietary nutrients and resistance exercise testosterone, but a diet with reduced fat leadsLow-fat high-fiber diet decreased serum and urine androgens in men to reduce the number of male hormone.
3. Get enough sleep. This is especially important if the testosterone level is low: the lion's share of it is synthesized in a dream.
4. Often to have sex, or even loveHormonal changes when falling in love. Both options increase testosterone.