The norm of testosterone in the male body. Increased testosterone in women. Causes of high rates and treatment

Found only in the blood of men. However, it is not. It is also found in the female body. Deviation from the norm of testosterone in women entails Negative consequences, including for reproductive function. The reasons for the decrease and increase in hormone levels are different. Let's talk about this in more detail later.

Most people believe that testosterone is only found in the blood of men.

Testosterone levels in women are normal

The concentration of the hormone in the blood of women varies depending on external and internal influences. The level varies depending on the time of day (in the morning the level is higher, in the evening – lower), age and phase of the menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, hormonal levels increase and by the third trimester its value becomes 3-4 times higher than normal.

Testosterone can be found either in a protein-bound state or in a free state. Related hormone is not metabolized and forms a pool (reserve). Its minimum concentration is observed in girls before puberty (0.05-1.8 pg/ml), the maximum is in puberty(4.1 pg/ml). Quantity free testosterone in women - about 2%.

When calculating hormone levels, both values are taken into account, since changes in the level and ratio of bound and unbound testosterone make it possible to determine correct diagnosis.

Testosterone in a woman’s body: functions

A change in the level of the hormone in question indicates the presence of a serious pathology in a woman’s body

What is testosterone responsible for in women? To perform what functions female body is he needed?

The androgenic group hormone in question is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Smaller amounts are produced by the placenta and skin. The concentration of the hormone changes due to the work of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Testosterone in the female body is necessary for the following functions:

Formation of the egg in the ovaries.
Proper functioning of the reproductive system.
Increased muscle mass.
Formation of sufficient density bone tissue.
Regulating the amount of adipose tissue and work sebaceous glands.
Development of sexual desire.
Regulation of protein, phosphorus, nitrogen, lipoprotein metabolism.
Reducing the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.
Endurance.
Resistance to stress.
Proper water exchange.
Blood sugar control.

How does abnormal testosterone manifest itself in women?

A change in the level of the hormone in question indicates the presence of a serious pathology in a woman’s body. Fluctuations in testosterone concentration are expressed various symptoms, if present, you should immediately visit a doctor and donate blood for hormones.

Excess hormone: causes, symptoms

Normally, the concentration increases after physical work. A pathological excess of testosterone in women threatens to disrupt the formation of the egg. This pathology has a name: “Hyperandrogenism.” Based on its origin, the disease is divided into ovarian and adrenal. The causes of the pathology may be the following:

neoplasm in the ovaries;
ovulatory phase of the cycle;
adrenal hyperplasia;
Not proper nutrition;
heredity;
pregnancy;
taking medications.

All of the above conditions, with the exception of pregnancy, require testing and treatment.

Pathological excess of testosterone in women threatens to disrupt the formation of the egg

Diagnosing hyperandrogenism is not difficult. The symptoms are as follows:

Increased sebum secretion.
The appearance of acne.
Violation menstrual cycle.
Male body type.
The appearance of hair on the face and chest.
Deepening of the voice.
Increased aggressiveness.
Enlargement of the clitoris.
Increased physical activity.

Prolonged hyperandrogenism leads to dysfunction of the ovaries and threatens infertility.

Low testosterone in women: causes, symptoms

This pathology can provoke serious illnesses: diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, endometrial inflammation, breast tumors, heart and vascular disease.

The causes of low testosterone in women can be both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external).

The causes of low testosterone in women can be both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external)

TO endogenous reasons relate:

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

TO exogenous reasons The following can be included:

eating foods high in magnesium or zinc;
unbalanced or unhealthy diet;
consumption of carbohydrates in large quantities;
alcohol consumption;
taking medications (for example, contraceptives, antifungals, anticonvulsants);
weight gain;
high or low physical activity;
insufficient sunbathing;
insufficient sexual activity.

If a woman's testosterone is low, the following signs appear:

Brittle hair, nails, dry skin.
Obesity in the abdomen, neck and arms.
Decreased voice strength.
Depression.
Lack of sexual desire.
Irritability, tearfulness.
Decreased bone density.
Infertility.
Tachycardia.
Sweating.
Losing weight.
Sleep disturbance.
Decreased memory and attention

Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after testing

Treatment can be medication or with traditional methods. Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after testing. Self-administration of hormonal drugs can lead to severe consequences. Hormonal therapy involves the prescription of drugs (for example, Yarina, Digitalis).

If the reason for the change in hormone levels lies in the tumor, then the issue of surgical removal is considered.

To reduce the concentration of the hormone, the diet should be adjusted. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be balanced, but you cannot limit yourself in food. The diet should include vegetables, meat, and seafood. Exercising will help reduce the concentration of androgenic hormone. Herbal medicine will also help in solving this problem: vitex, licorice root, black cohosh. These herbs lead hormonal balance back to normal.

To reduce the concentration of the hormone, you should adjust your diet

If hormonal levels are low, it is recommended to eat chicken meat, nuts, olives and fish. These products contain a lot of zinc, which is necessary to get rid of the disease. Products must have natural origin, they should not contain hormones.

Losing body weight can also help increase testosterone levels in women. If there is no effect from the listed measures, this indicates the need to prescribe testosterone-containing drugs. like this hormone therapy Only a doctor can prescribe it.

For successful treatment You must stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Testosterone is an androgen (steroidal male sex hormone), which is not large quantities produced in a woman's body. It takes part in the regulation of metabolism and affects reproductive function.

Physiological changes in testosterone concentration are observed during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Pathological reasons hormonal imbalance are severe damage to organs and systems, diseases endocrine glands, tumor formations.

Testosterone in women is normal

Testosterone synthesis scheme

In women, the production of the hormone occurs from cholesterol in the ovaries, adrenal glands, adipose tissue, and brain. Most of it circulates in the blood due to transport proteins- albumin and globulin, which binds sex hormones (SHBG - globulin that binds sex hormones). A small amount of androgen is in free form and can carry out biological effect. On the periphery, testosterone produces its metabolites - dihydrotestosterone and estradiol.

The level of the hormone in girls increases shortly before puberty. By increasing its secretion in the adrenal glands, growth increases, pubic hair and hair appear. armpits, start working sebaceous glands. After becoming menstrual function androgens are responsible for regulating monthly cycle, as well as for the formation of bone tissue, the synthesis of lipoproteins, red blood cells, insulin, growth factors, endorphins. A decrease in hormone concentration occurs after menopause.

Testosterone has an anabolic effect - it promotes protein formation and increases muscle mass. It influences mental processes, sexual behavior and sexual desire.

The production of androgens in the ovaries is regulated by pituitary gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone of the hypothalamus. The synthesis of testosterone in the adrenal glands is under the control of corticotropin and corticoliberin.

Hormone levels are examined in venous blood, the collection of which is carried out no later than 9 am. As a rule, it is determined total testosterone and globulin that binds it, and the concentration of the active fraction is calculated using special formulas. They also calculate the free androgen index (ISA), which is the ratio overall indicator and transport protein as a percentage.

Table of the norm of total testosterone in women by age:

Reference indicators of SHBG and ISA in women:

Formula for calculating ISA: total testosterone/SHBG *100%.

Changes in testosterone levels

Changes in testosterone concentration occur at different endocrine pathologies, serious diseases of other body systems, excess weight, taking medications.

When hormone synthesis increases or increases active form Women develop male sexual characteristics. Hidden imbalance is manifested by a violation of the monthly cycle, miscarriage, and infertility. Androgen deficiency leads to decreased libido, increased fatigue.

Causes of high rates and treatment

An excess of male hormones in the female body is manifested by symptoms of hyperandrogenism. This condition is characterized by a violation reproductive function, growth of a beard and mustache, the appearance of coarse hair on the stomach, chest, buttocks. Acne and acne, seborrhea of the scalp develop. Libido increases, aggressive behavior is possible.

Free testosterone increases due to insufficient transport globulin. This occurs with obesity, excess insulin, hypothyroidism, fasting, severe kidney disease, acromegaly, high level prolactin and glucocorticoids.

Normally, hormone synthesis increases in pregnant women. TO pathological reasons hyperandrogenism includes:

damage to the adrenal glands - Itsenko-Cushing's disease or syndrome, tumors, congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex;
excess body weight;
metabolic syndrome;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
ovarian tumors that produce androgens.

In the presence of volumetric formations carry them out surgical removal. For obesity and metabolic syndrome for the purpose of weight correction they use a diet, physical exercise, medications- Orlistat, Reduxin, Saxenda. To lower hormone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome, in addition to lifestyle changes, metformin and oral contraceptives are prescribed.

Congenital adrenal dysfunction is characterized by increased production of adrenal androgens. In order to reduce them, glucocorticoid drugs are prescribed - metypred, dexamethasone.

Testosterone is a “male” hormone. It is from this statement that sometimes the conclusion is drawn that women do not have it. This is wrong. Testosterone, the norm in women is lower than in men, is still present in the female body, and it is very necessary. Moreover, in the absence of testosterone in the female body, we are not talking about absolute “femininity”. It's about O serious illness. After all, the normal functioning of, for example, the ovaries also largely depends on the presence of testosterone.

Testosterone hormone

It's time to figure out what this “male” hormone does in the female body and where it comes from.

Testosterone is produced in men by the testes and adrenal glands, and in women by the ovaries and the same adrenal glands. Of course, women have much less of it, which is why it is called the “male” hormone.

To compare concentrations, we present the following numbers:

in women testosterone - 0.31-3.75 nmol/l;
in men - 5.76-28.14 nmol/l.

For those who no longer remember the school chemistry course: nmol is “nano mole”. The prefix “nano” is 10 -9, and 1 mole is 6.02 * 10 23 molecules. Thus, 1 liter of blood in women contains from 1.8 * 10 14 to 2.25 * 10 15 molecules. Quite a number, as you can see. In grams, the number is less impressive: 0.26-1.30 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter).

These figures are very conditional and approximate, since they show general level testosterone, without taking into account its varieties and the person’s age. In a way, it’s “the average temperature in the hospital.” Even more. In women, testosterone levels also depend on the time of day! It is highest in the morning. Physical activity can also cause an increase. Interestingly, during pregnancy, testosterone levels in women increase, and several times in the second half of gestation.

Norms for different ages

Testosterone can be free or bound. This means whether it has a connection with the protein structures of the blood or not (with albumin, hemoglobin, etc.). Normal quantity free testosterone is 2-3%.

Norms of total (free + bound) free testosterone for women:

It should be noted that during pregnancy (regardless of a boy or a girl), the level is increased 3-4 times compared to the testosterone level in a woman before pregnancy.

There is also a change in testosterone levels when taking oral contraceptives to a level of 0.24-2.88 nmol/l. In most cases this medicine contains two hormones: estrogen and progestin. Progestin - steroid hormone, it actively “works” during pregnancy, one of the functions of which is to prevent the next egg from being released. In a contraceptive, an “illusion” is created that fertilization has already passed and the ovaries are suppressed, in order to prevent the release of a new egg, which prevents the production of testosterone in full.

As you can see, the concept of normal in women, in relation to testosterone content, is very ambiguous. But, if it is produced even during pregnancy, and even in larger quantities than usual, then its function is not only to support the functioning of the ovaries? What else does it affect?

Functions of testosterone in women

As already mentioned, testosterone is produced in women and affects the functioning of the ovaries.

In addition, testosterone regulates the work bone marrow, who is responsible for chemical composition blood.

As already noted, testosterone can be bound or free. If testosterone is free, this does not mean that it does not participate in the work of the body, but simply lies “in reserve”. It is the result of its work, when in excess, that a woman’s voice “coarsens” or “extra” hair appears on the body.

Another “job” of testosterone is to serve as a basis for other hormones. In the cells of a maturing follicle (an egg in the ovary, which is surrounded by a layer epithelial tissue and two layers connective tissue) testosterone is processed into estrogens (in particular, into female estrogens), which in a woman’s body is responsible for the creation of special aromatic substances “pheromones” that attract men.

Another purpose of testosterone in a woman’s body is the development of mammary glands. That is why, during pregnancy (from about the 13th week), the level of testosterone in a woman’s blood increases significantly. In this case, excess testosterone inhibits (slows down) the release of the egg (since this is not necessary during pregnancy). But, in the absence of pregnancy, this can lead to disruption of the rhythm of menstruation or their complete cessation.

Testosterone itself is not very chemically active, therefore, in essence, it is not a hormone, but a prohormone, a substance from which hormones (estradiol and dihydrotestosterone) are subsequently produced.

And of course, testosterone is responsible for the formation of “secondary male sexual characteristics”: muscle mass, skeletal mass, etc. That is why many drugs for athletes contain testosterone. Of course, with an excess of testosterone, women experience an enlargement of the skeleton and an increase in muscle mass, hair may appear in places uncharacteristic for women, etc. But in minimum quantities it is necessary for women (after all, women also have a skeleton and muscle mass, which may not need to be built up, but is worth maintaining).

Also, an overdose of testosterone can lead to skin diseases, in particular: acne (acne skin disease due to blockage of the sebaceous gland around the hair), seborrhea (disruption of the sebaceous glands of the skin), etc. This is due to the fact that the sebaceous glands are sensitive to testosterone and excess testosterone causes them to function in “ emergency mode, which can lead to malfunctions.

What factors change testosterone levels in girls?

In addition to pregnancy, factors that change the amount of testosterone in the blood are:

Age-related changes in the body ( transitional age, menopause, etc.).
Diseases of the endocrine system or complications after other diseases that cause disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
Wrong diet. IN in this case We are talking about an excessive desire to lose weight. As a result, the body “throws” more testosterone into the blood, increasing energy and aggressiveness (secondary male sexual characteristics)
High physical loads to which the body tries to respond by “strengthening” the skeleton and muscle mass, increase the amount of testosterone in the blood. Moreover, this does not necessarily happen with weight gain. If you pay attention to the figures of many ballerinas or gymnasts, you can see that excess weight no, but the shoulders are developed. It is characteristic that for gymnasts this is somehow justified from the point of view of the fact that they have exercises on the bars, but for ballerinas their shoulders grow even without such loads on their arms, simply due to the increased amount of testosterone produced due to loads in general, and not specifically on the hands.
Perhaps the worst and most dangerous of the options is disruption of the ovaries due to some inflammatory processes(or another problem related specifically to the ovaries). This problem can no longer be solved by “normalizing” nutrition, regimen, etc. Even medications do not always exist to solve such problems. It's all about the “isolation” of the female reproductive system. To dosage form worked, you should take, for example, tablets with food. The medicine must pass through digestive tract, while not disintegrating in the acidic environment of the stomach, being absorbed into the blood and reaching the ovaries, without harming other organs. There is, of course, the option of a “direct” injection, but you still have to get it right. Therefore, it is often necessary to resort to surgical methods. This is definitely extreme case, but it needs to be treated.

Normalization of hormonal levels

First of all, it is recommended to balance your diet. The body must receive required diet every day. Juices (preferably freshly squeezed), dairy products with medium fat content, a small amount of sugar and salt, vegetable oils, possibly caffeine and honey.

In some cases, drug treatment may be prescribed. Moreover, various hormonal drugs in this case, this is an extreme measure. There are, for example, medicinal “female” herbs that reduce testosterone levels: evening primrose (or “evening primrose”), angelica, black cohosh (cohosh). In many cases, it will be rational to combine folk remedies With traditional medicine, but you cannot do this on your own without consulting a doctor, so that there is no conflict between the active ingredients.

From pharmaceuticals, which reduce the level of testosterone in a woman’s body, can be identified: Cyproterone, Dexamethasone, Digitalis, Digostin, Diethylbestrol, Diane-35. Here, however, it should be noted that in the instructions themselves of many of these drugs, the antiandrogenic effect is written not as a purpose of the drug, but as one of the effects produced. And the purpose of the medicine could be, for example, “contraception”. Therefore, before using this medicine, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Hormones are very serious. Together with nervous system they implement the function of a regulator in the body. To one degree or another, changes in the level of hormones in the blood affect all organs of the body.

If the cause of the increase in hormone levels is not the adrenal glands, but the ovaries, then the use of contraceptives may well be unacceptable. And in general, it doesn’t make much sense to fight the effect; the cause should be corrected. But, in any case, “amateur activity,” especially in relation to sex hormones, can lead to very bad irreversible consequences. Surely everyone will agree that fighting acne at the cost (or even risking) of reproductive function is somehow wrong and illogical.

Every phenomenon has its own reasons. Taking some tincture from medicinal herbs, there is a risk of “finishing off” the adrenal glands if the failure in testosterone production is their fault.

It doesn't work without a doctor. Don't listen to your friends or pharmacists. Because their knowledge is based on simple statistics: “everyone is prescribed this medicine.” But where is the guarantee that this particular case is the same as “everyone’s”? A lot of people fall during winter ice and it’s okay, but one in a hundred will break something, and one in a thousand will hurt their head.

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group, found in both the male and female bodies, although in significantly, 4-12 times less quantity. Deviation of the hormone level from the norm significantly affects not only the woman’s health, but also her appearance.

Functions

Testosterone is produced in cortical layer adrenal glands and ovaries. Its minimal amount is produced in the placenta and skin. The regulation of hormone production is carried out by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The androgynous hormone in women is responsible for:

size, anatomical position and function of the reproductive system,
generative function of the ovaries (ovum formation),
sexual attraction,
skeletal formation,
bone density,
muscle volume and mass,
development of adipose tissue,
function of the sebaceous glands,
skin condition,
nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism,
increases protein synthesis and breakdown,
at the risk of cardiovascular diseases and, in particular, atherosclerosis,
anabolic effects (protein synthesis, insulin, endorphins),
takes part in the synthesis of lipoproteins in the liver,
absorption by the body minerals and water,
blood sugar control,
stress resistance,
endurance,
influence on cognitive functions.

Hormone level

Testosterone levels are subject to endogenous (external) and exogenous (internal) influences.

The level of the hormone in women changes not only throughout life, but also throughout the month and year. There are also daily fluctuations in the amount of testosterone. The normal level of this hormone in women is considered to be 0.36-1.97 nmol/l. However, this norm is indicated for the female body over 13 years old and under 45-50. But even in this age range, hormone levels fluctuate significantly. Over the course of a month, testosterone levels for women childbearing age normally is:

permissible normal limits – 0.45 – 3.75 nmol/l
average– 0.29-3.18 pg/ml
in the phase of follicle formation (1-7 days of the menstrual cycle) – 0.45-3.17 pg/ml;
in the ovulation phase – 0.46-2.48 pg/ml;
after the end of the cycle – 0.29-1.73 pg/ml.

During pregnancy, hormone levels increase III trimester and can exceed the specified norm by 3-4 times. During menopause, the amount of testosterone decreases and is 0.28-1.22 nmol/l. Before puberty, testosterone in girls’ bodies does not exceed 0.98 nmol/l. The maximum value of the hormone level is observed in the morning, the minimum in the evening.

Free and bound testosterone

Testosterone binds in the blood plasma to transport proteins - specifically with globulin and nonspecifically with albumin. Moreover, only 1-2% of the hormone is in a free (unbound) state. Protein-bound testosterone forms a reserve (pool) of the hormone that is not subject to metabolism and clearance.

The rate of free substance also varies throughout life. The minimum reference (within normal limits) value of free hormone is observed in girls under 9 years of age (0.06-1.7 pg/ml). Maximum amount free testosterone is found in the blood plasma of girls in the post-pubertal (from 13 to 18 years) period and is 4.1 pg/ml. The normal level of free testosterone for pregnant women has not been established, but it also increases in the third trimester.

When determining the amount of total testosterone, the amount of the hormone in the bound and free state is taken into account. Its reference value for women over 18 years of age is 0.24-2.7 nmol/l. Laboratory studies take into account both states of testosterone, since the ratio of hormone fractions changes with various states body and can become an informative indicator for pathology.

Therefore, in order to correctly assess the amount of the hormone, it is necessary to take into account many factors.

Factors affecting testosterone levels

A decrease in the level of testosterone in a woman’s blood plasma is affected by:

1.Endogenous (external) influence factors:

violation of the regime and quality of nutrition (fasting, raw food eating, vegetarianism, diets, etc.);
large amount of carbohydrates;
food rich in Mg, Zn;
some medications (hormonal, oral contraceptives, antifungal, anticonvulsant, immunosuppressants, antiulcer, etc.);
some medicinal plants(peppermint, black cohosh, licorice, dwarf palm);
low or high physical activity;
obesity;
stress;
alcoholism;
rare exposure to the sun;
low sexual activity.

2. Exogenous (internal factors):

genetics;
pathology of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
diseases of the endocrine system;
some autoimmune diseases;
pathology of the adrenal glands;
neoplasms in the ovaries;
natural age-related changes.

Scientists say that it is not the level of hormones that influences the state of the body, but the sensitivity of androgen receptors. Despite more low concentration Compared to the level of the hormone in men, the receptors of the female body are more sensitive, which explains great importance testosterone in women. Low hormone levels are enhanced by the production of estrogen.

Symptoms of low levels

When testosterone levels decrease, the following symptoms are observed:

fat deposits in the lower abdomen, arms and neck;
the skin becomes dry and thin;
hair becomes brittle, splits, falls out, loses shine;
decreased or absent sexual desire;
weaken vocal cords, the timbre and strength of the voice changes;
increased fatigue, tiredness, apathy;
irritability, tearfulness;
depression;
bone fragility;
infertility;
increased sweating;
"tides";
sleep disorder;
rapid pulse;
decreased muscle mass;
deterioration of cognitive abilities (memory, concentration, thinking, understanding, spatial orientation, etc.).

Low testosterone provokes a decrease in the amount of lubrication, so sexual intercourse causes discomfort and leads to avoidance sexual contacts. The effect of stress on the body leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, which in turn has a detrimental effect on psychological state women. A vicious circle is formed.

A decrease in testosterone levels in the blood plasma can lead to a number of serious diseases.

Diseases

Low testosterone provokes:

endometriosis;
malignant neoplasms of the breast;
diabetes;
pathology of the cardiovascular system;
osteoporosis.

Reduced hormone levels are not a death sentence. It can be increased by complex treatment, using hormone replacement therapy, herbal medicines, normalizing nutrition and physical activity. You can increase low testosterone by eliminating stress factors, normalizing your rest regime, eliminating bad habits. Symptoms that correspond reduced level testosterone may indicate other diseases. Therefore only laboratory diagnostics will give objective information. You should not decipher test readings yourself, since only experienced specialist will take into account all factors and draw adequate conclusions - whether low testosterone is a pathology or due to natural causes.

Testosterone is the most important male hormone responsible for the quality of sexual life of a representative strong half humanity. The hormone is produced in the gonads, as well as in the adrenal cortex. Important medical indicator- testosterone is common in men. The level of this hormone varies with age. Deviations in hormonal concentrations may indicate disorders in a man’s body. Learn more about the meaning, benchmarks, and consequences of survey deviations.

Why is testosterone so important for the male body?

Testosterone affects psychological and physiological state representative of the strong half of society. The normal level of total testosterone in men becomes the basis for the formation of good muscles, a “masculine” character, and influences the degree of attraction to females.

"Male" hormone:

promotes better absorption and production of protein;
performs the function powerful stimulant burning calories, growing muscles;
normalizes cholesterol levels in a man’s body - minimizes the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis;
strengthens bones.

Testosterone is usually called the hormone of “winners”, because science has proven the fact high content hormone in the blood of successful representatives of the stronger half of society. The hormone stimulates a man to action, helps him make serious decisions, cope with difficulties, and achieve his goals.

What determines the concentration of the hormone in the blood?

How do we determine total testosterone in men? The norm and actual level of the hormone depends on the state of the patient’s central nervous system and its functionality. Below are the most significant factors that affect hormonal concentrations:

age of the man;
state of the immune system;
lifestyle (bad habits, physical activity, nutrition);
existing chronic illnesses;
body mass;
mental condition;
genetic composition.

For rate hormonal levels On a reduced scale it is worth citing several natural facts. The peak concentration of the “male” hormone occurs in the morning, and in the evening it reaches minimum indicator. Regular physical activity stimulates testosterone production. Overwork “slows down” the process of hormone production, and bad habits have the same effect. A man's age is a determining factor. The older the patient, the less testosterone he has in his blood.

Standard indicators of the “winner” hormone

All testosterone in a man’s body is divided into three components: free and two derivatives. During laboratory research“free” hormone is taken as a basis, which significantly affects sex life representative of the strong half of society.

The determination of free testosterone in a man is based on age indicators. The level of hormonal concentration is relatively stable and regular. For example, at the age of 18 to 50 years, the indicator varies between 5.76-30.43 nmol/l. In the case of men over 50 years of age, the hormone concentration decreases to 5.41-19.54 nmol/l.

Secondly, the indicator measured in lg/fsh - total testosterone - is analyzed. The norm in men also depends on the age of the patient. Standard indicator hormone in the blood is determined based on a number of characteristics:

V adolescence the concentration of the “male” hormone is maximum;
at the age of 25 years, the average level of testosterone in a man’s blood is equal to the average value of the established standard;
after 30 years, the concentration of the hormone in a man’s blood decreases by 1.5% annually;
after 50 years, the percentage of female germ cells in the patient’s body increases.

How to determine the concentration of the hormone in the blood?

The most reliable way to determine the level of testosterone in the body is a blood test. The procedure is carried out within the walls of the clinic. The research material is blood from a vein.

In order to guarantee maximum exact result, experts advise preparing for the procedure in advance:

The material is collected in the morning.
Before the procedure, you should refrain from eating (do not eat 8 hours before the test).
It is not advisable to smoke before the fence.
On the eve of the analysis, it is worth saving your nerves and not being in stressful situations.
The day before the procedure, you should protect yourself from aggravating activities in the gym.
2 days before blood sampling, you should avoid taking certain medications.

Reduced concentration of the hormone in the blood

In what case can we say that a patient has low total testosterone? Norm in men (µg/l): 1.6613-8.7766. Accordingly, an indicator below the leftmost border will indicate a reduced concentration of the “male” hormone in the blood. This phenomenon is called hypogonadism.

A man whose body lacks testosterone may experience the following:

insufficiently expressed (absent) hair on the face and chest;
excess weight;
weakening of muscle tissue;
enlargement of the mammary glands;
excessive sweating;
problems with potency;
decreased level of mental abilities.

What can low testosterone lead to in men? If the normal concentration of the hormone is shifted towards a decrease over a long period of time, this can cause the development of a number of diseases. This is about diabetes mellitus, obesity, coronary disease heart disease, liver cirrhosis, etc.

How to increase the level of the “winner” hormone in the blood?

Is it possible to increase total testosterone in men? The norm is achievable!

First of all, the patient should pay attention to his own nutrition. A man's diet should be enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is especially worth focusing on products containing zinc.

Will help restore hormone concentration good sleep. During sleep, testosterone levels automatically increase.

In conditions medical care The following activities lead to an increase in the concentration of the “male” hormone:

taking oral medications;
performing intramuscular injections;
application of testosterone gel or patch.

Such treatments are contraindicated for men suffering from prostate cancer. For this reason, therapy in mandatory preceded full examination sick.

High testosterone - good or bad?

For example, a patient’s total testosterone is too high. The norm in men (nmol/l=5.76-30.43) is shifted to the extreme right side. A man caught in similar situation may suffer from:

attacks of aggression;
increased excitability;
excessive body hair;
large quantity purulent acne on the face and body.

Long-term maintenance of a large amount of the hormone in a man’s blood leads to disruption of cell structure and testicular atrophy.

In such a situation, the male body tries to “improve” the situation by neutralizing the effect of the corresponding hormones. Excessive load causes the testicles to lose their functionality.

How to reduce the hormone level in the blood?

When total testosterone is elevated, the norm in men (ng/ml = 1.6613-8.7766) can only be achieved with the help of specialists. Self-medication will only make the situation worse.

Besides drug treatment, doctors advise men to switch to a low-carb diet and reduce the amount of fat they consume. You should focus on vegetables, as well as regularly exercise and walk in the fresh air.

Will traditional medicine help?

If the attending doctor is not against the use of drugs traditional medicine in order to reduce the concentration of testosterone in the blood, you can use them.

Below are the most effective of them:

Drink licorice root tea ( peppermint) in the morning and evening.
Chew licorice root three times a day for 5 minutes.
Dried clover flowers (100 g) pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for 120 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day for a week.
Pour 100 g of tar root with boiling water (1 l). Let it brew for a day and drink half a glass three times a day for 2 weeks.

Testosterone and the possibility of becoming a father

Testosterone is total and free in men, the norm of the indicator - is this really so important for a representative of the stronger half of society? Definitely yes! The level of the hormone in the blood determines whether a man can become a father.

A deficiency of the “male” hormone “inhibits” the process of sperm production, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of sperm and the viability of male germ cells.

However, not only an underestimated indicator can cause a man’s infertility, high content testosterone in the blood also negatively affects spermatogenesis. At risk are athletes who take special drugs based on synthesized testosterone. As a result of such therapy to build muscle and increase endurance, the man’s body stops producing the hormone on its own.

So, the level of testosterone in the blood of men of different ages varies in the direction of decrease over the years. Help to achieve optimal testosterone levels in the blood preventive measures, including maintaining healthy image life, moderate physical activity, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and regular sex life.