Both men and women produce testosterone. This hormone is intrinsically connected to the sexual health, libido and development of secondary sexual characteristics in both men and women. Although testosterone levels fluctuate throughout life, they follow a characteristic pattern of surging in adolescence and declining markedly late in life. Most of the testosterone in a man's body is produced in the testes, but small amounts are also made elsewhere. Likewise, testosterone is made in multiple places in a woman's body.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are continuous with the kidneys and are found directly perched on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. MedlinePlus explains that small amounts of testosterone are made in the adrenal cortex. This occurs in both men and women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the testosterone made in the adrenal cortex has little effect on the development of male characteristics.
Ovaries
Testosterone is also made in the ovaries. The University of San Francisco explains that estrogen is made from testosterone, and if women do not make enough testosterone, estrogen levels will be low, eggs will not mature, and ovulation will not occur. Testosterone levels are also connected to the female libido.
Associated Problems
According to MedlinePlus, elevated levels of testosterone can cause infertility, ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts in women. In men, elevated levels of testosterone can cause testicular cancer. Lack of testosterone can cause lack of vitality, chronic illness, delayed puberty, prolactinoma and infertility; lack of testosterone is associated with infertility in both men and women.
