Although testosterone is typically thought of as a male hormone, women maintain certain levels as well that can wane as they grow older and under other circumstances. Studies have shown that at normal levels, testosterone has a beneficial and noticeable effect on women. Like men, women can also suffer adverse reactions when their normal levels of testosterone are too low or too high. High levels of testosterone in women are usually the result of hormone replacement therapy.
Definition
The website Fertility Plus reports that on the third day of her menstrual cycle, a woman's testosterone level can range from between 6 ng/dL and 86 ng/dL, but most practitioners consider anything over 50 to be on the high side. Women produce only about one-seventh of the testosterone that men do, according to the website Aphrodite Women's Health.
Effects
At proper levels, testosterone contributes to muscle and bone density in women as well as men, according to Aphrodite Women's Health. The website ProjectAWARE credits testosterone with improving vasomotor symptoms in women, as well as vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy and notes that it might also increase orgasms. Psychologically, testosterone boosts sex drive and can ease depression. It has a beneficial impact on the brain and liver. ScienceDaily reports on research by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the University of Chicago's Department of Comparative Human Development showing that women with healthy or high testosterone levels showed a greater willingness to take risks in competitive or business environments.
Deficiencies
Your normal testosterone level can drop by more than a third after menopause or a hysterectomy that removes your ovaries, according to ProjectAWARE. When this happens, you might experience a lack of energy, decreased libido and less frequent orgasms. Aphrodite Women's Health indicates that estrogen replacement therapy can also deplete your testosterone level.
Replacement
The idea behind testosterone replacement therapy is to bring a woman's testosterone levels back to what was once normal for her, because normal levels can vary from woman to woman, according to ProjectAWARE. This can be done in tablet or gel form. Testosterone supplements are usually administered in combination with estrogen and progesterone.
Increases
Sometimes replacement therapy can raise testosterone levels above what is normal for you. When this happens, Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor of San Diego indicates that unpleasant side effects can occur including acne, hair loss, facial hair growth and even a deepening of your voice.
References
- Fertility Plus: Hormone Levels and Fertility Bloodwork
- Aphrodite Women's Health: Testosterone in Women; Mar. 12, 2002
- ProjectAWARE: Testosterone and Its Benefits to Women; Brock Smith, RPh; March 2002
- ScienceDaily: Higher Level of Testosterone in Women Linked to Choice of Risky Careers; Aug. 25, 2009
