What Does Testosterone Do for a Woman's Body?

What Does Testosterone Do for a Woman’s Body?

Testosterone is a primary sex hormone in both men and women. It is a steroid hormone and in the human body, is synthesized with cholesterol and a precursor hormone DHEA. In women, it is produced by both the ovaries and the adrenal glands, even long after menopause. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the amount of this hormone produced in the body.

Normal free testosterone levels in females

The normal level of testosterone in women is 15-70 ng/dl in blood and currently, there are no standard guidelines as what levels would be considered as “low testosterone”. Most of this float around in the body “bound” to particles like protein molecules. A small percentage of this is available in the “free” state. Levels of free testosterone (what the body can actually use) in healthy women ranges from 0.5-5 pg/ml.

Effects of testosterone levels

Understandably, this hormone affects fertility and sex drive in women. But sometimes it is not known that this hormone also plays an important role in red blood cell production, fat distribution, and muscle mass, thereby affecting strength, endurance and a sense of well-being.

Low or abnormal levels

Damage to or removal of ovaries, as well as hormonal imbalance, may cause low or abnormal levels, especially in pre-menopausal women. In post-menopausal women, testosterone levels, along with estrogen, also drop. This can cause a range of symptoms from loss of libido and sexual desire to anemia, depression, migraines, lower energy, brittle bones and hair, and reduced muscle mass.

Benefits of testosterone for women

Increasing levels of low testosterone in females have shown to have a positive effect on a range of symptoms, as well as being beneficial in treating breast cancer survivors.

How testosterone can help in menopause

For an average, healthy woman, testosterone levels drop approximately by 30% after menopause. At this stage, hormonal imbalance is common because ovaries are no longer producing progesterone, testosterone, or estrogen at levels prior to menopause. The traditional method to combat menopausal symptoms due to hormonal imbalance has been estrogen plus progestin therapy. However, this therapy has been linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer. Research has shown that increasing levels of female testosterone in postmenopausal women has the effect of improving sex drive as well as other sexual dysfunctions. It also has relieved depression and fatigue.

Improves mental clarity and focus

Researchers at Utrecht University in Holland said that this hormone appears to encourage “rational decision-making, social scrutiny and cleverness”.

• Reduces anxiety, depression and fatigue

• Increases bone density and reduces weight gain

• Reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardio-vascular stress by improving blood flow, dilating blood vessels and decreasing insulin resistance.

Best ways to increase levels in women

Testosterone therapy for women comes in varied forms like injections, pills, patches, gels, creams or even sprays. Please consult a licensed healthcare physician before starting any supplement or replacement therapy. A blood test will need to be done to determine your total testosterone levels. If found lacking, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment and you can get testosterone prescription. Replacement therapy will aim to make up for deficiencies in your system. Most providers believe sub-dermal injections are the most effective method.

After therapy, some of the benefits for women diagnosed with low testosterone levels are:

• Higher levels of energy and lack of fatigue

• Significant improvement in sexual function, and libido

• Less brain fog, anxiety and depression

• Improved sleep and cardiovascular functions

• Better bone density, more lean muscle and less fat buildup