The girl's testosterone hormone is elevated. Reduced free testosterone in women. Elevated testosterone levels in women, girls, pregnant women: signs, symptoms

Everyone knows that testosterone is a male hormone, we wrote about it here, But testosterone also performs a very important function in the female body:

• Then, in men, the normal hormone level is considered to be from 300 to 1 thousand conventional units.
• In women it varies from 15 to 80 units.

In this regard, it is interesting how to increase testosterone in women, and what drugs to use.

For women, the level of the hormone is important, since when it is high, a girl becomes masculine, even to the point of infertility, and when it is low, she begins to age quickly.

A normal level of the hormone is important for women because it:

• Helps with stress resistance.
• Gives a rejuvenating effect.
• Improves mood.

This is why it is important to monitor your testosterone levels. The following testosterone preparations for women are available:

• Drugs to lower testosterone in women: Cyproterone, dexamethasone, digitalis, digostin ;
• Drugs to increase testosterone in women: Testosterone propionate, methyltestosterone, estratest, omnadren.

Problems with the thyroid gland and disturbances in the levels of the hormones TSH, T3 and T4 can lead to serious consequences such as hypothyroid coma or thyrotoxic crisis, which are often fatal.
Normalizes sugar production and returns to normal life!...

What forms of testosterone preparations are there?

The hormone comes in a variety of forms:

• Injections.
• Pills.
• Gels.
• Crema.
• Implants.

Each product has its own absorption characteristics and its own speed of movement in the blood.

Drugs that are rapidly absorbed have a high rate of fluctuation in blood levels. This may cause:

• Headache.
• Cramps.
• Anger.
• Irritability.
• Aggression.

These products include gels, some creams, injections and tablets that are applied under the tongue.

It is better to use testosterone preparations that are slowly absorbed, these are slowly absorbed injections, creams in capsules, tablets. These forms of hormones are absorbed slowly and provide the most stable levels for a long time.

Each patient has an individual reaction to hormones, so you need to choose the best option for the drug in terms of type and form.

Also, the dosage of the drug depends on the form of the hormone. The optimal dose is considered to be 1-4 mg per day. With the appropriate dosage, no side effects are observed.

Methyltestosterone

Methyltestosterone is a hormonal drug that was created using male hormones. The form of the drug is a tablet, taken under the tongue and kept there until completely dissolved.

Women are prescribed this medicine:

• For malignant tumors of the mammary glands and ovaries.
• During menopause, to avoid nervous and vascular disorders.

If a woman takes the hormonal drug systemically, it is possible that male characteristics will be enhanced (baldness, rough voice, menstrual irregularities, etc.).

In addition, there are the following side effects:

• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Vomit.
• Increased libido.
• Headache and others.

In case of overdose, side effects intensify. The daily dose of the drug is 0.1 g, and the single dose is 0.05 g.

There are a number of contraindications:

1. Pregnancy;
2. Prostate cancer;
3. Hypersensitivity.

Before use, you must consult a doctor.

Estratest

Estratest is a combination of two hormones estrogen and testosterone. This drug is perfect for women who are experiencing surgical menopause, since after the operation the woman feels hot flashes and a decrease in sexual desire.

You need to be extremely careful when taking the hormone, its excess:

• May lead to obesity.
• Mood swings are possible.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• The most dangerous side effect is the formation of tumors in the liver.

In this regard, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dose of the drug.

Omnadren

Omnadren is testosterone, which is combined with four different esters, and therefore, after administration, the drug lingers in the body for a long time. The form of the drug is injection.

The female part of the population uses this drug:

• For breast cancer.
• Myoma.
• Endometriosis.

Contraindications:

• Prostate cancer;
• Impaired kidney and liver function;
• Pregnancy;
• Heart failure;
• Asthenia.

Like all drugs, the hormone has side effects:

• Headache.
• Allergic reactions.
• Edema and others.

It is used intramuscularly, the dose is individual for each patient. It depends on the indications and the patient’s response.

Drugs to stimulate the production of your own testosterone

1. Arimatest;
2. Evo-Test;
3. Animal Test;
4. Vitrix;
5. Cyclo-Bolan;
6. Tribulus;
7. Parity.

The drugs are not hormonal, but consultation with a doctor is still required. Since they all have contraindications and side effects.

Is using hormonal implants harmful?

Hormonal implants are thin capsules containing hormonal drugs inside.. They are injected into the forearm area under the skin using local anesthesia. The purpose of implants is contraception.

Advantages:

• Contraception from 2 to 5 years;
• Does not destroy the liver;
• Due to the fact that hormones are injected under the skin, they enter directly into the blood without affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Flaws:

• Price. This is the most expensive method;
• Menstrual irregularities;
• There may be difficulties in removing implants, but only surgery will help;
• This procedure is not recommended for young women and women who have not given birth; it can lead to infertility.

Whether it is harmful or not is up to the patient to decide; before doing so, you should think thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons.

The use of hormonal creams and their consequences

Hormonal creams are used for various skin diseases and allergic reactions. They should be used under strict supervision, as they have many side effects.

Hormonal creams are mainly used in cosmetology. They are a rejuvenating agent. But you should not use it too often, as creams are addictive. To avoid side effects, you must follow your doctor's instructions.

Reaction to oral testosterone supplements

The reaction to the drug is individual. Oral hormonal medications pass through the liver and are absorbed more slowly than medications that are absorbed through the blood. In this regard, a person with a healthy liver is not in danger, but if there are problems, then the functioning of the liver may be further disrupted.

When the dose of testosterone is calculated incorrectly, a woman may experience a number of side effects:

• Bad mood.
• Headache.
• Blood clots may form.
• Increased blood pressure.

In this case, you should choose drugs that are absorbed directly into the blood. If a woman takes the medicine in small doses, her mood improves, the body's protective functions and sexual desire increase.

Types of testosterone:

1. Natural;
2. Synthetic.

The natural form of testosterone is made from plant products (soybeans, beans). This testosterone is produced in micron doses, and the body does not absorb it well. Micronized testosterone is long-lasting and maintains high levels of the hormone for 24 hours.

It increases:

• Sexual attraction.
• Energy.
• Improves well-being.
• Increases bone density.

But taking it can lead to bad consequences, such as:

• High pressure.
• Fluid retention in the body.
• Increased blood cholesterol levels.

Synthetic testosterone is very quickly absorbed into the blood and has a pronounced effect on the body. When using synthetic testosterone in tablets, the level of this hormone in the blood can vary greatly.

A sharp increase in testosterone levels after administration leads to:

• To irritability.
• The occurrence of seizures.
• Feeling uneasy.
• Aggression.
• Headache.

Later, when the hormone level decreases, weakness appears.

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. The bound 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 - during puberty (4.1 pg/ml). The amount of free testosterone in women is 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 make the 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? For what functions of the female body is it 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:

1. Formation of the egg in the ovaries.
2. Proper functioning of the reproductive system.
3. Increased muscle mass.
4. Formation of sufficient bone tissue density.
5. Regulating the amount of adipose tissue and the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
6. Development of sexual desire.
7. Regulation of protein, phosphorus, nitrogen, lipoprotein metabolism.
8. Reducing the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.
9. Endurance.
10. Resistance to stress.
11. Proper water exchange.
12. 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 by various symptoms, in the presence of which you should immediately visit a doctor and donate blood for hormones.

Excess hormone: causes, symptoms

Normally, 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;
• poor 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:

1. Increased sebum secretion.
2. The appearance of acne.
3. Menstrual irregularities.
4. Male body type.
5. The appearance of hair on the face and chest.
6. Deepening of the voice.
7. Increased aggressiveness.
8. Enlargement of the clitoris.
9. 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 diseases: diabetes, 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)

Endogenous causes include:

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

Exogenous causes include the following:

• 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:

1. Brittle hair, nails, dry skin.
2. Obesity in the abdomen, neck and arms.
3. Decreased voice strength.
4. Depression.
5. Lack of sexual desire.
6. Irritability, tearfulness.
7. Decreased bone density.
8. Infertility.
9. Tachycardia.
10. Sweating.
11. Losing weight.
12. Sleep disturbance.
13. Decreased memory and attention

Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after undergoing tests.

Treatment can be medicinal and using traditional methods. Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after testing. Taking hormonal medications on your own can lead to serious 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 bring 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 be of natural origin and 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. Only a doctor can prescribe such hormonal therapy.

For successful treatment it is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Increased testosterone in women, the symptoms are obvious: low voice, domineering, rude character. What are the causes and consequences of this condition, and how can testosterone be brought back to normal?

... At the very beginning of the last century, Frida Kahlo was born in a suburb of Mexico City. She was destined to become a legend. A talented artist, patriot, activist of the Communist Party, she inspires admirers even now.

Friends! I, Svetlana Morozova, invite you to mega useful and interesting webinars! Presenter: Andrey Eroshkin. Health restoration expert, registered dietitian.

Topics of upcoming webinars:

• How to lose weight without willpower and prevent the weight from coming back?
• How to become healthy again without pills, the natural way?
• Where do kidney stones come from and what can be done to prevent them from appearing again?
• How to stop visiting gynecologists, give birth to a healthy child and not grow old at 40?

Let's take a closer look at Frida. What we see right away is that the symptoms of increased testosterone in women are obvious: a low voice, an imperious, rude character and Frida Kahlo’s “calling card” - a mustache and fused eyebrows. However, this did not stop the artist from breaking hearts, charming men and winning the love of art connoisseurs for several generations with her talent.

Hello, my darlings! Svetlana Morozova is with you. Agree, a woman can immediately see when the “male” hormone testosterone is higher than normal. This affects not only appearance, but also women’s health in general. Therefore, today we will look at how to recognize an excess of this hormone.

Increased testosterone in women symptoms and obvious excess

The signs of high testosterone are fairly easy to recognize. Let's get a look:

1. Character change. Tender feminine qualities are replaced by aggressiveness and rigidity. A woman becomes more strong-willed, unceremonious, rude, more active and physically resilient. Even the gait changes.
2. Active hair growth. It would be nice if the curls grew beautiful. So, on the contrary, hair falls out and breaks on the head, the hair thins out significantly, and bald patches appear. But where we are least happy about hair, a lot of it grows - on the face, arms, legs, in the bikini area, even on the chest and stomach. They are thick and dark.
3. . And excess weight is deposited according to the male type, abdominal - more on the stomach, shoulders, arms.
4. The figure becomes more like a man's - the shoulders increase, and the waist and chest are smoothed out. Like in the photo of female bodybuilders who have gone too far.
5. Deepening of the voice, lower timbre.
6. The skin becomes thicker and oilier. Acne and pimples appear, especially in the cheeks and chin.
7. The smell changes to a more pungent one. The woman begins to sweat more.
8. Appears.
9. Hypersexuality develops. That is, the desire becomes stronger, obsessive thoughts about sex appear. The clitoris increases in size, even to the point that it stands out from the labia.
10. The menstrual cycle is disrupted. Excess testosterone prevents the follicle from maturing, and therefore menstruation appears irregularly. And they may even disappear completely. This leads to the next point.
11. . If pregnancy occurs, then the possibility of bearing a fetus is minimal. Either a miscarriage occurs or intrauterine growth retardation occurs.
12. Diseases of the reproductive organs. Tumors of the uterus, ovaries, mammary glands, even up to. Especially in women after 40 years.

Terrible symptoms, right? Does this mean that testosterone is our enemy? Not at all.

To better understand how it all works, let’s look at the role of this hormone in more detail.

Why does a woman need male hormone?

Why is testosterone considered masculine? It is responsible for the development of masculinity in men. Perseverance, activity, endurance, composure, prudence, secondary sexual characteristics (well, you get the idea), libido, brutal body hair, bone and muscle growth, low voice - men owe all this to testosterone.

However, the female body also synthesizes this hormone. In much smaller quantities, though. And for what? Women need testosterone for the full functioning of the reproductive system and for sexual desire. These are its main functions, but not all.

What else does testosterone affect in a woman’s body:

• Calcium absorption by bones;
• Normal muscle development, their elasticity;
• Fat metabolism, maintaining harmony, assimilation and excretion of free;
• Timeliness of menstruation, ovulation, follicle development in the ovaries;
• Energy, efficiency;
• The work of the sebaceous glands, preventing dry skin;
• Development of the mammary glands, normal lactation (breastfeeding);
• Thought processes;
• Good mood, confidence;
• And, as I said above, attraction, sensitivity of the body, genital receptors.

Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol. In men - in the testes, in women - in And a little in the adrenal cortex of both. And then it binds to proteins (albumin, globulin, hemoglobin), and 2% of the total remains in free form.

What has to happen for the system to fail? Let's see.

Why does testosterone increase?

So, what reasons can cause an excess:

• Genetics. Unfortunately, this is inherited.
• Poor nutrition. Both extremes: hunger strikes, malnutrition, strict diets, and vice versa, overeating, abuse of fatty foods. Strict people often have elevated testosterone. Especially for those who are passionate.
• Physically hard work, overloading the body. Sometimes this happens to girls who work out fanatically in the gym and work hard in training;
• Alcoholism.
• Ovarian tumors;
• Adrenal tumors, hyperplasia;
• Tumors or disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus - glands that organize the work of the ovaries;
• Taking hormonal contraceptives;
• Steroid abuse;
• Cessation of menstruation, menopause;
• Pregnancy, especially the third trimester;
• . An interdependent relationship - both adipose tissue increases testosterone, and vice versa;
• Passion for tanning and

What’s good is that, most often, increased testosterone levels are noticeable immediately. It can be seen “by eye”, and even more so by hormonal tests. But if you don’t notice in time that testosterone has “gone up,” consequences develop.

What is the danger of excess:

• Infertility;
• Cancerous tumors;

And this includes all the symptoms that we talked about at first.

You don't want a mustache, right? So let's treat.

Bringing hormones back to normal

What do we do first? That's right, let's go to the doctor. There you will be prescribed tests, and after their results the doctor will tell you how to treat and with what.

Treatment methods:

1. Eliminating the cause. First of all, we treat the provoking disease. If it is due to a tumor, it is most often removed.
2. Drug treatment. Hormonal medications with estrogen and progesterone are prescribed. Plus antiandrogens that suppress testosterone production.
3. Diet. Foods that can lower testosterone levels are added to the diet. What: meat, fish, seaweed, milk, cream, sour cream, butter and vegetable oils, soy, natural sweets (honey, sugar, marshmallows), freshly squeezed juices, pickles, white bread. Legumes, rice, millet. From vegetables - especially potatoes, from fruits - apples, cherries, red grapes. And we drink strong coffee and green tea.
4. Folk remedies. These are herbs rich in analogues of female sex hormones (phytoestrogens): licorice root, flax seeds, peppermint, clover, sage, peony root tincture, oats, hops.
5. Physiotherapy: massage, acupuncture.
6. . Yoga leads the way - it develops femininity and restores hormonal levels. In general, any “female” sport will only be a plus: dancing, gymnastics, Pilates, etc. The main thing is not to overdo it. Against the background of high testosterone, you can pump up a “male” torso. And increase this hormone even more.
7. Fighting stress. Sound, long sleep, meditation or prayer, long walks. People who are regularly overtired are more likely to experience hormonal imbalance. And in general, try to get distracted more often and go somewhere.
8. Regular. Firstly, this is a surge in female sex hormones. Secondly, stress relief. Thirdly... It's cool, needless to say. The main thing is to be with your loved one.

That's all, I think.

If you have any questions while reading the article, leave comments, I’ll be happy to answer them.

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Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is responsible for physical endurance and sexual activity of the stronger sex. But you can often observe such injustice when women have increased testosterone in the blood, and men lack it.

If a woman has elevated testosterone levels, most likely, we are talking about problems with her women's health. Therefore, when the first signs appear, you should contact a gynecologist to find out the cause of hormonal imbalance. You cannot delay this, since the increased level of testosterone in women primarily affects the reproductive system.

Normally, testosterone is produced not only in men, but also in women. Of course, in the male body the amount of this hormone will be much higher than in the fairer sex.

A woman’s body contains very little testosterone, and it is responsible for the following functions:

• formation of a figure according to the female type;
• muscle mass growth;
• regulation of libido;
• growth of the skeletal system during physical formation;
• normal functioning of the reproductive system;
• functional activity of the bone marrow.

How to determine testosterone levels?

To find out the amount of testosterone in the blood, a woman needs to be tested for this hormone starting from the 6th day of menstruation. Normally, the amount of testosterone fluctuates between 0.7-3 nmol/l, but each individual laboratory can apply its own standards, and you need to focus only on them.

If a woman’s bioavailable testosterone is elevated or borders on the upper norm, she is recommended to visit a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

Symptoms of high testosterone

With increased testosterone in women, the symptoms will be as follows:

• the appearance and increased growth of excess hair on the body, while hair can even appear on the face;
• increased skin dryness, peeling;
• the hair on the head becomes oilier and may fall out;
• the voice breaks and becomes rougher;
• the body acquires masculine features - the waist disappears, the shoulders become wider.

But these are only external signs indicating that the hormone testosterone in women is increased.

There are also internal symptoms of trouble, even more serious than external ones:

• sudden increase in libido and increase in physical endurance;
• up to the complete disappearance of menstruation;
• unreasonable rudeness, irritability, aggression.

Simultaneously with the appearance of these symptoms, dangerous conditions such as an ovarian tumor or Cushing's syndrome may develop in the body.

Causes

Factors influencing the increase in testosterone levels in women are as follows:

• ovarian tumor;
• adrenal hyperplasia or tumor;
• long-term use of hormone-containing drugs, for example, birth control pills;
• pregnancy.

Sometimes the cause of increased testosterone in women is poor nutrition. We are talking about alcoholic drinks, white cabbage, and nuts, which increase the production of this hormone in the body.

Increased testosterone levels in pregnant women

Many people are interested in why testosterone is increased in pregnant women, is this the norm? Probably, gestation is the only period when increasing the level of this hormone is relatively safe for a woman. During pregnancy, the amount can double or even triple. This is due to the fact that the placenta additionally synthesizes this hormone. If a woman is pregnant with a boy, then she will have more testosterone than one who is expecting a girl.

But this amount of testosterone is safe for a woman only during pregnancy and only in the second half. In the 1st trimester, elevated testosterone levels are not normal; they can cause...

Treatment

If a woman has elevated testosterone, treatment will be carried out with the following medications:

• Digostin;
• Diethylstilbestrol;
• Cyproterone;
• Dexamethasone.

Also, glucose preparations - Siofor, Glucophage and Veroshpiron - are successfully used to reduce testosterone in women. The listed medications include spironolactone and metamorphine, which qualitatively suppress the synthesis of unnecessary testosterone.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe the patient to take oral contraceptives, such as Diane 35, Zhanine and Yarina.

It is contraindicated to practice self-medication for this condition, since, firstly, the hormonal system is too sensitive to interfere with it without the participation of a doctor, and, secondly, the risk of side effects is high. After completing the course of treatment, you will subsequently need to monitor the amount of testosterone in the body from time to time, since it is possible that it may increase.

Nutrition

With a slight increase in testosterone, a special diet will help cope with the disease. There are products that lower testosterone in women in a short time.

These natural helpers are:

• vegetable oil;
• apples, cherries;
• sugar, salt;
• potato;
• soy products;
• cream and full fat milk;
• caffeine;
• rice, wheat;
• fried meat and vegetable dishes;

Consequences

Depending on the degree of increase in testosterone, changes that can occur in the female body are determined. If the hormone level is slightly increased, then the woman will only feel mood changes - bouts of irritability and increased physical activity, the growth of excess hair on the body where it should not be - above the lip, on the legs and arms.

Women produce much less testosterone from dihydrotestosterone than men. The share in the synthesis of androgens of the ovaries and adrenal glands is low. The bulk of testosterone is synthesized in women as a result of the transformation of others (more than 50% of testosterone is formed during the peripheral conversion of androstenedione).

The importance of testosterone in women is due to the fact that it is produced from the main male hormone during biochemical reactions. This androgen determines healthy hormonal levels, ensures full reproductive function, a stable psychological state, and the proper functioning of the female body as a whole.

Testosterone levels:

Biochemical varieties of testosterone

There are biochemical and functional differences between the concepts of bound, total and free testosterone. There must be a certain balance between these forms in the body. Total testosterone is the sum of free and bound hormone. The latter has two more varieties:

1. SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). A biologically inactive substance, it is not able to penetrate into the cell, therefore it does not take part in metabolic processes.
2. Testosterone bound to albumin. A weakly active substance that plays a role in the processes of humoral regulation of the body.

During diagnostics, doctors determine, first of all, free testosterone levels in women. Establishing the concentration of its other forms is necessary to establish the relationship between them, analyze hormonal levels and make an accurate diagnosis.

Why does a woman need testosterone?

Testosterone in women is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, adipose tissue, and placenta. The concentration of the active substance depends on the time of day (it is higher in the morning), age, pregnancy, and phase of the cycle. Free testosterone performs the following functions:

• regulates the formation of normal muscle mass;
• strengthens bone tissue;
• supports libido (sex drive) and fertility (fertility);
• participates in the maturation of follicles;
• normalizes the functioning of the reproductive system;
• controls the production of sebaceous glands and the content of adipose tissue (this is especially important for those losing weight);
• participates in metabolic processes;
• maintains water and salt balance;
• prevents the development of diseases of the circulatory system;
• promotes increased resilience and stress resistance.

Deviation from the norm, consequences

Deviations from normal androgen levels in the female body have negative consequences.

Almost all serious diseases, especially liver and kidney diseases, can lead to testosterone deficiency.

Pathological conditions associated with disruption of various forms of testosterone:

If symptoms of hormonal imbalance occur, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary. To establish the correct diagnosis, a blood test for testosterone is prescribed.

Pathological growth of the hormone is called hyperandrogenism (sometimes ovarian and adrenal). Excessive androgen levels in a woman’s body can be determined by the following signs:

• oily skin;
• pimples, acne on the face and back;
• body hair and male pattern baldness;
• building muscle mass;
• disruption of the cycle or its complete disappearance;
• deepening of the voice;
• clitoral enlargement;
• a sharp increase in libido;
• difficulties with conceiving and bearing a fetus, complications during childbirth;
• aggressiveness, irascibility.

Signs of low androgen levels in women:

• deterioration of skin and hair condition (fragility, dryness);
• increase in adipose tissue in the abdomen, arms, neck;
• lack of sexual desire;
• depressed emotional state;
• tearfulness, irritability;
• sweating;
• poor sleep;
• decreased attention and memory.

The consequences of low testosterone are:

• diabetes;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• osteoporosis;
• inflammation of the inner mucous layer of the uterus;
• breast tumors.

Causes of Testosterone Fluctuations

A natural increase in hormone concentration is observed during ovulation. Pathological causes of excess testosterone in women:

• adrenal hyperplasia;
• ovarian tumors;
• genetic disorders;
• taking medications (for example, antidepressant therapy increases free testosterone).

Internal (endogenous) causes of decreased androgen levels include:

• pathologies of the adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pituitary gland;
• genetic pathologies;
• tumors of the gonads;
• autoimmune diseases;
• obesity;
• age-related changes (testosterone decreases during menopause in women);
• kidney dysfunction;
• surgical menopause (ovarian resection).

External (exogenous) factors that cause a decrease in testosterone concentrations are:

• unbalanced diet, fasting.
• alcohol abuse, smoking, drug addiction;
• taking medications (contraceptive, anticonvulsant, antifungal);
• deficiency or excess of physical activity;
• irregular sex life;
• insufficient sun exposure.

The effect of other hormones on testosterone

A change in the concentration of any hormone leads to a general hormonal imbalance. Testosterone levels depend on the amount of other hormones: |

• Insulin and leptin (saturation hormone) can change the content of the substance in both directions;
• androgen levels increase against the background of high estradiol and low progesterone;
• androgen concentration increases with an increase in active substances of the adrenal glands.

The effects of testosterone on pregnancy

The concentration of free testosterone during pregnancy is among the hormones that determine the formation of the fetus and the healthy course of pregnancy. Identifying deviations from normal values ​​helps to promptly correct the condition and minimize risks for the expectant mother and child.

In women during pregnancy, testosterone levels increase up to 4 times. There are no clear norms for weeks of pregnancy. This indicator depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the sex of the fetus. During pregnancy, the highest rates are observed at 8-12 weeks and in the middle of the 2nd trimester.

Hyperandrogenism (increased concentration) is rare during pregnancy. A woman’s body activates protective mechanisms that reduce the level of this androgen. For example, the placenta converts excess substances into estrogens. If natural mechanisms do not work, increased testosterone can cause miscarriage or fetal death.

Causes of high hormone levels:

• heredity;
• tumors of the gonads, adrenal glands;
• unhealthy diet and others.

A reduced concentration of the hormone during pregnancy is an even rarer phenomenon, but no less dangerous. It may be associated with a problem in the child's intrauterine development. Causes of hormonal imbalance:

• cancer;
• Down syndrome;
• overweight;
• dysfunction of the kidneys or adrenal glands;
• pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• smoking;
• drinking alcoholic beverages.

Interfering factors of drugs.

Substances and medications that can affect testosterone levels.

Testosterone in a woman’s body performs many vital functions, one of which is reproductive. A normal physiological increase in the hormone is recorded in the morning, during the ovulatory period, and during pregnancy. Pathological changes in the level of the substance have pronounced symptoms. If they occur, you should consult a doctor.