Both men and women's bodies produce the hormone testosterone. Researchers are learning more and more about how both high and low levels of testosterone in the body affect many of the body's functions. The Body website reports that a simple blood test that insurance usually covers can determine the level of testosterone in the body, but many doctors are hesitant to order the test or are unaware of its importance.
Identification
Mike Westerdal of Critical Bench Inc. explains that testosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Although it is considered by many to be a male sex hormone, both men and women's bodies produce it. In males, testosterone is manufactured in the testes, and in women, in the ovaries. Testosterone is an androgenic/anabolic steroid (AAS) hormone. "Androgenic" refers to sexual characteristics in the male, and "anabolic" means the hormone is muscle-producing. Synthetic AAS is sometimes abused in an attempt to improve physical appearance or enhance performance.
Normal Level in Women
Dan Dunable, who wrote "Is Your Testosterone Level 'Normal'?" notes that laboratories consider varying ranges of testosterone levels to fall within the normal range. Generally, 15 to 70 ng/dL is considered a normal level for women. Dr. Jon Kaiser, author of "Healing HIV," notes that peak health in a woman means a testosterone level of 50 to 100 ng/dL. Critical Bench Inc. states that levels of testosterone considered normal vary based on a woman's stage in her life. The lowest levels are found in girls who have not reached puberty. Menstruating women, whose adrenal glands now make more testosterone, have the highest levels. As a woman ages, her testosterone and estrogen production decreases.
Testosterone in the Woman's Body
Testosterone produced by young women entering puberty is the precursor to estrogen production, notes Dr. Edward Lichten of USDoctor. "Without testosterone," explains Dr. Lichten, "there would be no 'woman.'" Oral birth control pills, which contain estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, suppress the body's production of sex hormones and lower the sex drive. A menopausal woman's ovaries produce only 20 percent of the estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that the ovaries produce in premenopausal woman.
High Testosterone and Women
A high testosterone level in a woman, according to Critical Bench Inc., may be responsible for a deepening voice, escalated growth of body and facial hair, increasing aggression and hair loss. Dan Dunable adds that high levels of testosterone may also cause irregular menstrual periods, clitoral enlargement, thinning hair and acne.
Low Testosterone and Women
Lower testosterone levels in women may contribute to loss of sex drive and decreased muscle tone, according to Dr. Lichten. Natural News Network adds that low testosterone increases the risk for osteoporosis, dementia and depression. Dr. Mary Gallenberg from MayoClinic.com notes that testosterone replacement therapy for menopausal women with low testosterone levels effectively boosts the sex drive. She also reports that testosterone therapy can help decrease the fatigue often seen with low testosterone, but says that some experts want to see more research before approving the safety of testosterone therapy over the long term.
