Low testosterone levels in women, girls, pregnant women: signs, symptoms, causes. Treatment of low testosterone in women and girls with drugs, diet and folk remedies

Increased testosterone in women can be observed due to physiological and pathological reasons. This disorder affects health, in particular reproductive function. To avoid drug correction, it is necessary to change your diet and lifestyle.

Significantly increased testosterone in women causes the inability to conceive and bear a child, and in the event of pregnancy, it causes the development of complications during gestation and childbirth. It is characteristic that there is no connection between a woman’s appearance (the presence or absence of male-type changes) and the development of hyperandrogenic infertility. Thus, reproductive dysfunction may be observed in very feminine patients and absent in women with excess hair and/or overly developed muscles.

Dates occupy a leading position among foods that help reduce testosterone levels.

In addition, against the background of increased testosterone, the risk of developing diabetes increases.

How to normalize high testosterone in women

Only an endocrinologist can reliably determine the presence of pathology and prescribe adequate treatment; independent hormonal correction is unacceptable.

An increase in testosterone that occurs due to physical activity does not need to be treated.

In the case of increased testosterone in women planning pregnancy, it is recommended to reduce the level of the hormone and maintain it within normal values before conception and during several months of pregnancy. In such patients, it is necessary to monitor testosterone levels throughout the entire gestation period, since its significant increase, which occurs in pregnant women for physiological reasons, can lead to the development of pregnancy complications.

It is important to control testosterone levels in girls who have a genetic predisposition to an increase in this hormone.

Medication correction

For elevated testosterone, oral contraceptives, calcium gluconate, vitamin D, and some other drugs are prescribed if necessary. Hormonal therapy is carried out according to strict indications. Taking hormonal medications without consulting a doctor is not recommended, as they can significantly worsen the situation.

Treatment can be supplemented with herbal medicine. Flax seeds, licorice root, angelica, peony (maryin root), dwarf palm, and peppermint are used.

The level of testosterone changes throughout the day, its maximum amount is contained in the blood in the morning, and by night it decreases significantly.

It has been found that two cups of mint tea per day can reduce elevated testosterone levels and maintain them within normal limits if you drink mint tea every day.

Nutrition for high testosterone in women

With elevated testosterone, it is important to eat a balanced diet. The diet must include sufficient quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries (especially apples and cherries), freshly squeezed juices, whole cow's milk, cream, meat, fish, white bread, honey, vegetable oils, wheat, rice. Natural black coffee, black and green tea are allowed. It is useful to eat muesli, oatmeal and/or oatmeal, cooked in milk and seasoned with honey (the porridge should be cooled slightly before adding honey). Indispensable foods for high testosterone include dates (both fresh and dried). Dates occupy a leading position among products that help reduce the level of this hormone, and also have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.

The amount of table salt in the diet should not exceed 3 g per day. You should limit or eliminate the consumption of alcoholic beverages and stop smoking. Meals should be regular; it is not recommended to allow a strong feeling of hunger to arise.

Lifestyle change

Normalization of testosterone levels in women is facilitated by a rational alternation of physical activity and rest. It is better to replace strength training, which promotes the production of male hormone, with dancing and/or aerobic exercise.

If testosterone is high, yoga is recommended, since in addition to gentle physical activity, it allows you to stabilize your psycho-emotional state. Night sleep should be at least 8 hours a day. In order to reduce testosterone levels, women should avoid stress and excessive mental stress.

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Reproductive ability, mood and sexual activity are influenced not only by female hormones - estrogen and progesterone - but also by male androgens, especially testosterone. This hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex and is responsible for the maturation of the follicle in the ovaries. In the female body, its level is much lower than in the male body. Deviation from the norm can cause disturbances in the functioning of various organs and systems of the body. A blood test can help identify the discrepancy.

What is testosterone

The body of a man and a woman produces thousands of different hormones per day, which are responsible for the functioning of different body systems. Testosterone belongs to the sex hormones from the androgen class and is of a steroid nature. In men, the testes and hypothalamus respond to the synthesis of this biological substance. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands; a small part of the hormone is produced by the liver.

What is the hormone testosterone responsible for in women?

In teenage boys, the hormone is responsible for puberty and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics - broad shoulders, narrow hips. In the female body, testosterone is a precursor to estrogen. It ensures the growth and maturation of the egg, is responsible for the development of the mammary glands, and the formation of a female-type figure. In addition, testosterone has a number of secondary functions, which include:

normalization of the sebaceous glands, maintaining skin elasticity;
ensuring smooth hair and nail growth;
formation of a strong bone skeleton - growth and development of bones, ensuring proper mineral metabolism;
maintaining sexual attraction to the opposite sex;
development of muscle mass;
stimulation of bone marrow hematopoiesis;
maintaining a stable mental state.

Indications for analysis

The level of androgens in a woman’s body is constantly changing and this does not always indicate the presence of health problems. For example, during pregnancy the number of main male hormones also increases. This is necessary to ensure normal growth and development of the fetal skeleton. The following conditions or diagnoses may be the reason for a visit to the doctor to prescribe a blood test for testosterone in women:

deterioration of hair, skin, nails;
menstrual irregularities;
suspicion of infertility;
development of secondary male sexual characteristics - male-type hair growth (growth of a beard or mustache, hair on the chest), the appearance of a hoarse voice;
decreased sex drive;
obesity;
hormonal imbalance;
gynecological diseases of various origins;
pregnancy planning;
the appearance of acne on the face and body.

When to get tested

Testosterone in girls reaches its maximum concentration at the time of ovulation. This is necessary to increase sexual activity and successful conception. To get the most reliable results, you need to correctly determine the day of the menstrual cycle on which to take the test. The starting point is the first day of the onset of menstruation - this is considered the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. A testosterone test in women is prescribed:

with a cycle duration of 21 to 23 calendar days, 2–3 days from the start of menstruation;
with a 28-day cycle - on day 5;
if the menstrual cycle lasts more than 28 days, the test is prescribed on the 7th day.

Preparation

The results of the study of the hormonal component of the blood largely depend on the preparation of the patient and his behavior before taking the tests. To obtain the most accurate results, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

The day before the test, you should avoid any physical activity.
If possible, stop taking any medications one day before, especially hormonal medications.
Eliminate fatty, salty, fried foods from your diet.
Avoid alcohol, sweet carbonated drinks, coffee, cocoa, tea.
The day before donating blood for analysis, you should completely avoid any sexual contact.
Try not to overwork, limit yourself as much as possible from stress and any emotional outbursts.
It is not recommended to test for hormones if you have recently had an ultrasound or x-ray.
A few days before blood sampling, it is not recommended to visit a solarium, sauna or bathhouse.

How to give testosterone to a woman

To conduct the study, the laboratory assistant draws blood from a vein. The biomaterial is obtained in sterile conditions – a doctor’s office or testing room – with a disposable syringe. In order to objectively assess the patient’s condition and make the correct diagnosis, the doctor must be aware of all the circumstances that may in any way affect the results of the analysis.

A woman must inform the laboratory assistant or doctor if she adheres to an unconventional diet (diet, vegetarian or raw food diet). It is recommended to come to the laboratory in advance (20–30 minutes) in order to have time to calm down and bring your breathing back to normal. Blood from a vein is donated only in the morning and on an empty stomach - 12 hours before donation, you must completely give up food, alcohol and smoking.

If the patient is unable to come to the laboratory in the morning, blood should be donated after 6 hours of fasting, excluding fats from the last meal. Hormone levels can be affected by the time of year. It has been established that the amount of testosterone in the blood increases with the onset of autumn. As a rule, if an analysis for testosterone in women is carried out during this season of the year, the laboratory technician takes this fact into account and makes a note on the referral sheet. The research period is 1–2 days, after which the doctor compares the results with the norm.

Normal for women

The level of sex hormones in girls and women can vary depending on the time of day, day of the menstrual cycle and age. Two types of tests are performed to determine testosterone levels:

Analysis of a woman's total testosterone level. The test results show how much of the hormone is in the body at a given stage of life. Indicators from 0.26 to 1.30 ng/mol are considered normal.
Study of free testosterone. Free is the type of hormone that does not bind to blood proteins for transport.

An analysis of total hormone levels is considered auxiliary. It helps clarify the diagnosis. Particular attention, as a rule, is paid to active (free) testosterone. Its reference (normal) indicators for different women of different ages are as follows:

Woman's age	Minimum values, nmol/l	Maximum values, nmol/l
Newborns



Over 18 years old:
follicular phase (days 1–7 of the menstrual cycle)
ovulation
luteal phase

Menopause (over 60 years)

Low testosterone

The doctor interprets the test results. It is believed that testosterone in women is low if the test shows data below average values - less than 0.31 nmol/l (provided that the woman is of reproductive age). A change in hormonal levels in any direction is a clear sign of health problems. Thus, fluctuations in androgens can lead to cardiovascular diseases, provoke the development of obesity or disruption of the endocrine system.

Symptoms

A lack of sex hormone can be suspected when there are sudden changes in a woman’s behavior. She becomes lethargic, apathetic, and often a bad mood develops into hysteria or depression. Since androgens are responsible for maintaining libido, women with low testosterone experience a lack of sexual desire and insufficient production of vaginal lubrication. In addition to the listed deviations, the following symptoms may indicate violations:

feeling of constant fatigue;
increased sweating;
lethargy;
sleep disturbance (insomnia);
tachycardia (painful rapid heartbeat);
weight gain;
change in voice timbre;
painful discomfort during sexual intercourse (the phenomenon is associated with insufficient lubrication);
brittle nails;
bone fragility;
deterioration of cognitive abilities (decreased concentration, memory, spatial orientation).

Causes

A decrease in testosterone levels is considered normal if a woman experiences menopause. In other cases, sex hormone deficiency is affected by:

violation of diet (vegetarianism, raw food diet, prolonged fasting);
smoking;
sudden climate change;
decrease in the functional activity of the ovaries;
alcohol abuse;
development of renal failure;
excess weight;
taking certain medications (for example, peppermint, licorice root);
rare exposure to the sun;
genetic predisposition;
adrenal disease;
pathologies affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
some autoimmune diseases - osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Testosterone is higher than normal in women

The concentration of steroid hormones for natural reasons increases in the morning and decreases noticeably in the evening. For these reasons, it is recommended to come for the test in the morning. It is believed that there is an excess of testosterone in the body if the woman followed all the rules for taking the test, and its results turned out to be above average values - more than 3.75 nmol/l (provided that the woman is of reproductive age).

How it manifests itself

A clear sign of increased testosterone is the appearance of masculine features - broad shoulders, narrow pelvis, hair growth on the face and chest, hoarseness of voice. Such external changes begin to appear from adolescence, progressing as the girl grows up. In addition to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, hormonal imbalances are often indicated by the following symptoms:

increased sexual activity;
hair loss;
dry skin;
excessive irritability and aggressiveness;
menstrual irregularities, up to complete absence of menstruation;
the appearance of acne, comedones, oily skin;
sudden weight gain, difficulty losing weight;
atrophy of the mammary glands;
Difficulty conceiving, infertility.

Causes

Testosterone levels above normal in women are always observed during pregnancy. This is considered normal and important for the development of the child’s bone skeleton. An upward change in balance is present upon the onset of ovulation, taking hormonal contraceptives, during sports, or after a recent psycho-emotional shock. Hormonal imbalance can also lead to:

poor nutrition, which includes eating foods high in fat or simple carbohydrates;
hereditary predisposition;
polycystic – ovarian tumors;
decreased activity of the pituitary gland;
Cushing's syndrome - active work of the adrenal glands;
sexually transmitted diseases - gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others;
endometriosis is an abnormal proliferation of endometrial cells (the inner layer of the uterine wall);
tissue insensitivity to insulin – type 2 diabetes mellitus;
thyroid diseases.

Therapeutic measures

The treatment regimen is selected by the doctor, depending on the results of the analysis, the patient’s condition and complaints. It is imperative to stop drinking alcohol, smoking, and normalize your sleep patterns. A lack of testosterone in the female body is as dangerous a condition as its excessive amount. The reproductive system suffers from deficiency, a woman’s sex drive decreases, and she becomes unable to conceive and bear a child.

An important condition for increasing androgen is normalization of nutrition. You should give up various diets and increase the amount of foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, especially zinc and magnesium. The following have a beneficial effect on the level of sex hormones:

nuts and seeds;
seafood;
poultry meat;
liver;
fatty fish - salmon, tuna;
olives;
all varieties of cabbage;
radish;
turnip;
avocado;
celery;
dried fruits – figs, dates, dried apricots;
berries - watermelon, black currant, plum, pomegranate, raspberry;
vegetable oils;
spices – garlic, onion, cardamom, red pepper, turmeric.

Be sure to play sports. This will help not only improve your figure, make it slimmer and strengthen your muscle corset, but also normalize the natural production of testosterone. Particular preference should be given to cardio training - running, exercise, cycling. Eliminate all sources of stress as much as possible. Sleep 8–10 hours a day. If the decrease is serious, the doctor selects hormone replacement therapy.

Testosterone is one of the main male hormones. However, it is also found in small quantities in the female body. If its norm is violated, certain disruptions in the functioning of the woman’s reproductive system may occur. In this article we will talk about the reasons for its decline and recovery methods.

Testosterone in women

In a woman's body, the adrenal glands and ovaries are responsible for the production of testosterone. Hormones are usually divided into two types:

free testosterone. This type of hormone does not bind to proteins;

Important! When planning a pregnancy, you should definitely take a testosterone test, since a decrease or increase in testosterone can cause infertility or, if you manage to get pregnant, lead to problems with pregnancy.

The male hormone is of great importance in the normal functioning of the female reproductive system, namely:

participates in the maturation of follicles;
promotes better development of bone tissue and muscles;
important for regulating the production of sebaceous glands and bone marrow;
promotes good mood;
makes a woman sexy and attractive.

The normal level of free testosterone is 0.45-3.75 nmol/l. At the time of ovulation and during pregnancy, this figure increases significantly. Total testosterone should be in the range of 0.24-2.7 nmol/l.

Symptoms and signs of low testosterone in women

One of the main signs that the concentration of the male hormone is impaired is the absence of ovulation. In addition, symptoms of low androgen include:

the appearance of fat deposits in the lower abdomen, arms and neck;
dry, thin skin;
hair fragility, hair loss, dullness;
decreased sex drive;
the appearance of apathy, fatigue, severe fatigue;
irritability;
depressive states;
fragility in bones;
increased level of sweating;
sleep problems;
loss of muscle mass;
decreased concentration.

Causes of low male hormone in women

The causes of decreased androgen levels are usually divided into two groups: endogenous and exogenous.

The most common endogenous causes are:

the presence of diseases of the adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pituitary gland;
the presence of endocrine diseases;
heredity;
presence of ovarian tumors;
age-related changes;
the presence of autoimmune pathologies.

Exogenous causes are associated with:

eating food that contains high concentrations of magnesium and zinc;
unbalanced or unhealthy diet;
excessive alcohol consumption;
taking medications (contraceptives, antifungals, anticonvulsants);
weight gain;
high or insufficient physical activity;
low sexual activity.

Testosterone analysis in women

The test involves taking blood. However, in order for the results to be informative, it is important to prepare for this procedure.

Did you know? Women in love have much higher testosterone levels in the first months of a relationship than single women.

The concentration of the hormone in the blood is influenced by a large number of factors. Throughout the menstrual cycle, its indicator changes. It should be noted that you need to donate blood strictly on an empty stomach, and for several days you should avoid drinking alcohol, stop smoking and not be sexually active. The attending physician must tell you exactly which day of the cycle the woman needs to donate blood. The highest level of the hormone is observed during ovulation. Depending on the phase of the cycle, you should focus on the following standards:

ovulation - 0.46-2.48 pg/ml;
luteal phase - 0.29-1.73 pg/ml;
menopause - no more than 1.22 pg/ml.

If pregnancy occurs, the rate increases 3-4 times, and this is considered normal.

How to increase testosterone in women

Do not be upset if the results of your analysis do not fit into the norm. Today there are a huge number of methods that allow you to normalize testosterone levels. Let's look at them.

Foods that increase testosterone in women

In order to increase androgen levels, you should give preference to certain foods. It is recommended to include fish meat in your diet. The menu should contain a lot of protein and zinc, since the latter inhibits the formation of estrogen from androgen, resulting in an increase in testosterone.

Among the foods rich in zinc are nuts and seeds. In addition to zinc, they contain vitamin E, which improves the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Zinc is also found in animal livers.

Thus, we can conclude that the menu should have a sufficient amount of:

lean meat;
and dairy products;
and seafood;
seeds and nuts;
fruits and vegetables;
croup

Among vegetable fats, it is worth consuming olive and corn oil, seasoning various salads with it and adding it to dishes.

Drugs to increase testosterone levels

If following a diet and proper nutrition does not produce results in increasing androgen, doctors may prescribe certain medications. Despite the fact that today there are many such medications, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate and prescribe them to yourself.

The fact is that medications for men and women are different, and if you start taking a drug intended for men, you can significantly undermine your health. The most common medications prescribed to women include:

"Omnadren";
"Testosterone propionate."

Important! A decrease in testosterone should not be ignored, since such a deviation can lead to the development of malignant neoplasms of small glands, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.

By looking at stores specializing in sports nutrition, you can find a large number of drugs that promote testosterone production and are used by athletes to build muscle mass. These include:

Folk remedies to increase hormone levels

Among the traditional medicine methods for increasing androgens, the most common are the following:

Did you know? In its structure, testosterone is almost identical to the female sex hormone - estrogen. The only difference is in the carbon atom, which is popularly called the “androgen penis.”

How to increase testosterone naturally

If deviations in androgen levels are insignificant, in some cases their concentration can be normalized using natural methods without the use of medications:

give up alcoholic drinks.

How to keep testosterone levels normal

In order to maintain androgen levels at the proper level, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
lead an active lifestyle, go in for sports;
watch your weight - do not allow your body to gain weight;
take medications only as prescribed by doctors;
try to avoid stressful situations and nervous overload;
undergo a full medical examination every year.

The female body is a complex system, for the normal functioning of which it is important to maintain a balance of all hormones, especially male ones. Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, and you can avoid abnormalities in your testosterone levels.

The level of testosterone in women varies depending on many factors: age, time of day, phase of the menstrual cycle, etc. Deviation upward or downward may indicate pathology, but can also be associated with a sedentary lifestyle, psycho-emotional overload, poor nutrition, chronic stress . To identify the cause of the disorder and correct it, you should consult a doctor.

The precursor to testosterone is cholesterol, which enters the hormone-synthesizing cells of the glands as part of lipoproteins. Testosterone biosynthesis begins with the cleavage of the cholesterol side chain and occurs through a series of sequential enzymatic reactions in which tissue enzymes participate. During biosynthesis, testosterone completely loses its side chain and is transported into the bloodstream.

Excess testosterone is caused by poor diet, obesity, and taking certain hormonal medications.

Circulating in the bloodstream, the main part (40–60% of total testosterone) combines with sex hormone-binding globulin, turning into a metabolically inactive form. The remainder of circulating testosterone is weakly bound to albumin, and only about 1–2% of total testosterone remains in free form. Free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin are available to tissues and easily penetrate target cells. During the process of metabolic activation, testosterone is converted into a more active form - dihydrotestosterone, a small part is transformed into estradiol. Testosterone inactivation occurs in the liver.

Testosterone in women

Testosterone has a major impact on women's sexual and reproductive health. The main sources of male hormone in women are the adrenal cortex and ovarian cells. Small amounts are secreted in the placenta, muscle, skin and adipose tissue.

What is the hormone testosterone responsible for in women?

affects protein, carbohydrate, fat metabolism, takes part in the synthesis of lipoproteins in the liver, improves the body's absorption of minerals and water, controls blood sugar levels;
regulates the development of the bone skeleton and bone growth during puberty, is responsible for bone density;
increases protein synthesis and breakdown, is responsible for the growth of muscle mass;
regulates the functions of the reproductive system;
affects the maturation of the egg and the formation of the corpus luteum;
participates in maintaining normal physiology in pregnant women;
influences the formation of mammary glands;
responsible for the development of adipose tissue;
regulates the process of natural sweating;
activates the work of the sebaceous glands;
responsible for sexual hair growth, affects hair follicles;
reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
causes changes in brain activity, has a stimulating effect on the development and functioning of the nervous system, increases stress resistance and endurance;
stimulates sexual desire.

A decrease in testosterone production in women can be caused by pathologies of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovarian tumors, endocrine and autoimmune diseases, and surgical menopause.

Deviation of testosterone levels from the norm in women significantly affects their health and appearance.

The norm of total testosterone in women

Normal testosterone values in women can vary greatly depending on the determination method, laboratory, and units of measurement, so when interpreting test results, it is important to take all these factors into account.

The level of testosterone in women varies depending on the time of day, age, phase of the menstrual cycle, and the presence of pregnancy.

Daily fluctuations in the concentration of the hormone in the blood are associated with the rhythm of its secretion. In the morning hours, the androgen level is higher, in the evening it reaches its minimum value. Women produce an average of 0.4 mg of testosterone per day.

The level of testosterone hormone in women is directly dependent on the phase of the menstrual cycle:

follicular phase– from 0.45 to 3.17 ng/ml;
ovulatory phase (peak)– from 0.46 to 2.48 ng/ml;
luteal phase– from 0.29 to 1.73 ng/ml.

During pregnancy, the level of testosterone in the blood of women increases; by the third trimester it becomes 3-4 times higher.

Testosterone levels in women also vary depending on age. The hormone content in girls increases during puberty. After 35 years, it begins to gradually decline. With the onset of menopause, the testosterone level in women decreases by 1.5–2 times. Table of testosterone norms in women by age:

These standards take into account all forms of the hormone in the blood serum, i.e. total testosterone. To determine the ratio of free and total testosterone, the free testosterone index (FTI) is used.

If testosterone is elevated, it is reduced with the help of drugs that contain metformin and spironolactone. These substances inhibit testosterone synthesis or prevent its binding to target cell receptors.

Low testosterone

A decrease in testosterone production in women can be caused by pathologies of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovarian tumors, endocrine and autoimmune diseases, and surgical menopause. A decrease in androgen levels can be influenced by conditions accompanied by a deficiency of adipose tissue, natural age-related changes, pre- and postmenopausal periods, rare exposure to the sun, low sexual activity, abuse of bad habits, sedentary lifestyle, psycho-emotional overload, chronic stress, poor nutrition ( low-calorie and low-protein diets, fasting). Testosterone deficiency can also be caused by taking certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, immunosuppressants, antimycotic, anticonvulsant, and antiulcer drugs.

Testosterone deficiency in women is manifested by the following symptoms:

decreased libido;
decreased muscle mass, loss of muscle tone;
dry skin, decreased tone and thickness;
increased sweating;
decreased amount of vaginal lubrication;
hair loss, dryness and fragility;
mood lability, irritability, tearfulness, depression;
chronic fatigue syndrome, poor exercise tolerance;
sleep disorders;
deterioration of memory, ability to concentrate.

Increased testosterone

A physiological increase in testosterone levels occurs during puberty, pregnancy, and lactation.

In other cases, excess testosterone in women is a consequence of disorders in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-adrenal system.

The main sources of male hormone in women are the adrenal cortex and ovarian cells. Small amounts are secreted in the placenta, muscle, skin and adipose tissue.

Elevated testosterone levels in women may indicate the presence of androgen-producing tumors of the adrenal glands and ovaries, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the hypothalamus, polycystic ovary syndrome, Itsenko-Cushing disease. Also, excess testosterone is caused by poor nutrition, obesity, and taking certain hormonal medications.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women:

Excessive male pattern hair growth (hirsutism);
menstrual irregularities (irregular periods, anovulation, bleeding)
miscarriage, infertility;
obesity;
diffuse thinning of scalp hair;
striae;
increased sweating;
decrease in voice timbre;
development of a male-type figure, increase in muscle mass, atrophy of the mammary glands;
hypertrophy of the clitoris and labia;
disturbances of electrolyte and carbohydrate metabolism;
increased libido;
hot temper, aggressiveness.

Diagnosis of disorders

The initial examination includes a detailed study of the hereditary history, clarification of the characteristics of metabolic disorders, genetic analysis, study of hormonal status, gynecological examination to identify concomitant pathology of the pelvic organs. To exclude tumor processes, MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary region and CT or MRI of the adrenal glands are performed.

A blood sample for testosterone testing is taken from a vein. Women are recommended to undergo examination on the 6th or 7th day of the menstrual cycle; if necessary, the test is taken at the beginning of the cycle, on the 2nd or 3rd day. To reliably assess androgen status, it is recommended to take the test several times at certain intervals.

Deviation of testosterone levels from the norm in women significantly affects their health and appearance.

The test is taken on an empty stomach, at least 8 hours must pass after the last meal, and you are allowed to drink only water. On the eve of the study, it is necessary to reduce psycho-emotional and physical stress, eliminate fatty foods, alcohol, smoking, postpone taking medications (in consultation with the doctor) and performing ultrasound and X-ray examinations.

How to normalize testosterone levels in women

The main treatment for testosterone secretion disorders is hormone therapy. The medications and duration of treatment are selected by the doctor.

If testosterone is elevated, it is reduced with the help of drugs that contain metformin and spironolactone. These substances inhibit testosterone synthesis or prevent its binding to target cell receptors.

Since elevated testosterone levels in women are almost always accompanied by excess weight, a diet balanced in macro- and micronutrients, but with a reduced calorie intake, is recommended.

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You should know that hormonal levels constantly change throughout a month, a year, and a woman’s entire life. Significant fluctuations in levels are possible throughout the day and even within a day. As a rule, the maximum content is observed in the morning, and the minimum in the evening.

In medicine, 0.36-1.97 n mol/l is considered normal for the body of women under 50 and over 13 years of age.

But even within these age limits, the hormonal levels are not the same.

Pregnant or nursing mothers have elevated testosterone almost all the time and the above norm can exceed 4 times in the third trimester.
During menopause and menopause, testosterone decreases to 0.28-1.22 n mol/l.
In the body of girls before adolescence, testosterone does not exceed 0.98 n mol/l.
The minimum content is observed before reaching the age of 9 (0.06-1.7 pg/ml).

Accepted norms for women of childbearing age during the month:

Limits – 0.45 – 3.75 nmol/l.
On days 1-7 of the menstrual cycle – 0.45-3.17 pg/ml.
During the period of ovulation – 0.46-2.48 pg/ml.
End of cycle – 0.29-1.73 pg/ml.

In women, testosterone can be in a free state or bound to proteins. Hormones, when bound, are not metabolized and form a reserve.

Reasons for the decline

The causes of low testosterone can be varied - internal (exogenous) and external (endogenous).

Exogenous:

unfavorable heredity and congenital genetics;
Down syndrome;
renal failure;
dysfunction of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus;
any types of tumors and neoplasms in the ovaries;
endocrine disorders;
age-related changes;
ovariotomy (removal of one or both ovaries);
adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal glands).

Endogenous:

The decline occurs gradually, it can last for years and is difficult to notice.

Decreased hormone levels can provoke a number of disturbances in the functioning of the entire body and lead to severe forms of disease:

heart and blood vessels;
to anemia;
to osteoporosis;
to diabetes mellitus;
tumors of the mammary glands and others.

ATTENTION! The causes of low testosterone levels may indicate a number of other diseases. Only professional diagnostics in a modern laboratory will provide accurate and objective information.

An experienced endocrinologist will take into account possible risk factors and make a verdict - whether testosterone is low due to pathology or due to something else.

Consequences of shortage

In addition to the above factors, hormonal deficiency has an obvious negative effect on female attractiveness. Clear signs of aging deteriorate your appearance.

Manifestations:

Wrinkles appear.
Cellulite and unsightly subcutaneous fat deposits appear on the abdomen, neck and arms.
Hair falls out, loses shine, becomes brittle, thins, and breaks.
The skin constantly requires moisturizer, because it becomes overdried and thinned.
Peeling of nails, brittleness, fragility.
Dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.

If you find several items on this list that suit you, it is recommended that you contact an endocrinologist to monitor your hormonal levels.

Reference! Hormone deficiency is not a death sentence. Fortunately, low testosterone is not a serious threat to life, so a specialist will not necessarily recommend drug treatment. Preventative measures are also possible.

Effective prevention

Eliminating testosterone deficiency has a beneficial effect on sexual relationships, qualitatively improves women’s lives, and ensures a positive mood and excellent well-being.

To do this, the following prevention of hormone deficiency is possible:

Lead the most correct lifestyle without smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Eat only harmless, environmentally friendly foods.
Avoid exhausting diets and fasting.
Watch your weight and don't overeat.
Avoid overexertion and exhausting overload.
Try to maintain constant optimal physical shape and move more.
Avoid emotional stress.
Choose an environmentally friendly, favorable place to live.

Conclusion

A sufficient level of the hormone testosterone is very important for a woman, as it provides a powerful rejuvenating effect, makes the skin elastic and dense, gives energy, improves emotional well-being and increases resistance to stress.