Testosterone in Females

Have you been looking for information about testosterone in females? This article should be of some help.

Testosterone is often referred to as the 'male hormone', since it is the main hormone associated with the development of the male sexual organs and masculine characteristics like high muscle mass, a deep voice and increased facial and body hair. However, referring to it as the 'male hormone' can be misleading, since the ovaries secrete testosterone in females. It is also secreted in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both men and women. Testosterone levels are higher in men than in women, while estrogen and progesterone, the 'female' sex hormones are correspondingly higher in women than in men. Hormonal changes however, occur in several stages of life, and are responsible for the development of certain symptoms.

Function of Testosterone in Females

To understand the effects that testosterone levels may have, it's important to understand the functions of testosterone. In females, testosterone is produced in small quantities by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Testosterone levels in females are approximately one tenth of that in males, which is why women do not develop secondary male sexual characteristics, like deepened voices, facial hair, enlarged Adam's apples and so on. In short, testosterone in females perform the following functions:

It's responsible for the development of sexual desire, enables easier sexual arousal and more frequent orgasms; essentially the promotion of sexual health.

It is responsible for the development of muscle mass. However, since females secrete lower levels of testosterone, they develop correspondingly less muscle mass, and are less bulky in structure.

Testosterone helps in increasing bone density. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis especially as they age, since testosterone levels drop.

High Testosterone in Females

Increased levels of testosterone in females can lead to the development of characteristics which are masculine in nature – this includes deepening of the voice, increased hair growth especially on the face, chest and limbs, and over time, increase in muscle mass and male pattern baldness. Some women with high testosterone levels may also exhibit aggressive behavior, develop coarse skin and experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle. High testosterone in females can also be a contributing factor towards certain medical issues such as:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Ovarian tumours

Conn's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome

Low Testosterone in Females

Correspondingly, levels of testosterone in females may also be below normal. The most prevalent symptoms of low testosterone in women are lack of sexual desire, accompanied by lack of sexual responsiveness and lower occurrence of (or weaker) orgasms. Low testosterone in females can also manifest in reduction in muscle mass, strength and overall bone weakening. Reducing testosterone in females is often linked to an increase in the risk of developing osteoporosis. As women age, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, specifically during and after menopause. Testosterone levels also see a significant reduction. Reduced quantities of these hormones can cause lack of lubrication of vaginal walls, leading to painful sex, which ultimately contributes to a fall in libido.

Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy is a consideration for some women who have reduced levels of testosterone. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether or not testosterone in females needs to be supplemented once levels drop, and what methods are safe and free of medical side effects.

If you experience symptoms that may indicate that you need to get your testosterone levels checked, do seek the advice of a medical practitioner. Self diagnosis can be counterproductive so it's always advisable to get a professional to give you an informed diagnosis and then prescribe a course of treatment. However, understanding the effects and levels of testosterone in females can help you identify whether or not there is cause for concern.