Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels

Total Testosterone Test for Women: Know Your Hormone Levels

This also happens if you have your ovaries removed or damaged before age 40, resulting in early menopause. The effects of low testosterone in women have been greatly debated over many years. Firstly, and most importantly there is no blood level that can be used as a cut-off to “diagnose” low testosterone in women. However, due to this risk, you should not take licorice root without first talking to your doctor. Note that licorice candy is often flavored artificially, so eating it will not help your hormone levels. Licorice root has been specifically demonstrated to lower serum testosterone in women.

However, the majority of testosterone produced in the ovaries is converted to the primary female sex hormone, estradiol. Some athletes and bodybuilders misuse synthetic testosterone (anabolic steroids) by taking very high doses of them in an attempt to boost performance or change their physical appearance. Misuse of these drugs can cause several unpleasant symptoms and lead to long-term dangerous health problems, including blood clots, stroke, and potentially increase the risk of prostate cancer. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels and adjust treatments as needed. Whether through lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or medical treatments, there are effective ways to manage and reduce testosterone levels.

In males, testosterone functions include the regulation of libido, bone health, and muscle mass, as well as the production of sperm. We’ve recruited 14 young female volunteers with natural testosterone levels along a spectrum from low to hyperandrogenic. Meanwhile, some people, males and females, present with high levels of natural testosterone without having ever taken androgenic hormones. Testosterone is the major androgenic (male) hormone and one of the most common doping agents. Athletes who participate in strength and power-based sports, including bodybuilding, athletics, wrestling and cycling, have used testosterone for decades for its muscle-building properties.

Yes, you can reduce your testosterone with a combination of lifestyle and medication. Talk with a healthcare professional about the underlying cause of your high testosterone and the solutions that can help. It’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.

This genetic disorder affects the adrenal glands and can cause women to have atypical female genitalia and they usually have high levels of testosterone as a result. Most ovarian sources are benign whereas adrenal tumors can be either benign or malignant. Adrenocortical carcinoma often co-secretes other hormones (cortisol, aldosterone) in addition to excess androgens thereby warranting further assessment.

Typically, a health care provider will recommend lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, for more sustained results. They may also recommend medication or treatment to control symptoms, such as unwanted hair or acne. Hirsutism is a hormonal condition that can causes growth of unwanted hair, specifically on the back, face, and chest. The amount of body hair growth is highly dependent on genetics, but this condition is primarily caused by an imbalance of androgen hormones.

It also increases the risk of other health conditions, especially type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a key feature of PCOS and can easily develop into diabetes over time. There is no cure for PCOS, but it is possible to manage the symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. Your health care provider may also ask you a series of questions in relation to your menstrual cycle, libido, and mood changes. If your doctor suspects PCOS, they may perform a pelvic ultrasound examination to identify any abnormalities. Another side effect that can be a more significant cause for concern would be developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. This condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance and is often linked to higher levels of testosterone.

CAH is a genetic disorder that affects adrenal gland function, leading to an overproduction of androgens, including testosterone. This condition can cause significant physical changes and requires medical treatment to manage hormone levels. Doctors commonly prescribe birth control pills to women with high testosterone. They help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. In recent years, researchers (and pharmaceutical companies) have focused on the effects of testosterone deficiency, especially among men. In fact, as men age, testosterone levels drop very gradually, about 1% to 2% each year — unlike the relatively rapid drop in estrogen that causes menopause.

Testosterone is produced in the testes and to a lesser degree in the ovaries. Testosterone (Female/Child) measures total testosterone in the blood. Testosterone levels in young males tend to be about 50% higher in the early morning than in the evening. Androgen status should be assessed on more than one occasion with more than one measurement. With PCOS, high ovarian androgens cause insulin resistance or high insulin.

In the postmenopausal woman, hyperandrogenism can often lead to postmenopausal bleeding due to the increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Healthcare providers aim the medical treatment of hyperandrogenism at lowering ovarian or adrenal androgen production, reducing the free androgen levels and blocking the androgen action. Certain adrenal tumors and tumors in your ovaries or testicles can low testosterone cause numbness and tingling produce and release (secrete) androgens. Hyperandrogenism caused by these kinds of tumors is often very severe and sudden.