Testosterone is a type of male hormone called an androgen that is essential for men and women. Although many people think of testosterone as predominantly affecting men, women need testosterone to build the bones and muscles, distribute fat, maintain energy levels and sustain sexual libido. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands found above the kidneys.
Identification
The body controls testosterone through the pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone, LH, when testosterone levels run low. The LH then stimulates the ovaries and adrenals to produce more testosterone. Testosterone is found in the bloodstream attached to a protein known as sex hormone binding globulin. A blood test can determine testosterone levels in a woman's body.
Significance
High testosterone may occur among women because of diseases affecting the ovaries, adrenal glands or pituitary gland in the brain. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day and during the menstrual cycle, so if you have high levels, consider the time of day and the day of your menstrual cycle. Testosterone levels are highest in the morning; as well as between the first day of your menstrual period and ovulation. Other reasons for high testosterone levels include ovarian or adrenal cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that causes infertility and an increase in male characteristics among women; such as facial hair, male pattern baldness and acne. Some women overproduce testosterone, contributing to PCOS. This leads to hormone imbalance and a decrease in ovulation, causing fertility problems if you are trying to conceive. Many women with PCOS must take medication to induce ovulation if testosterone levels are inhibiting egg release.
Levels
According to the University of Michigan Health System, normal levels of testosterone for women vary depending on age. Teen girls between the ages of 14 and 17 and who have entered puberty have normal levels of testosterone between 8 and 53 nanograms per deciliter, or ng/dL. Adult women over 17 and who are premenopausal can have testosterone levels between 10 and 70 ng/dL; while postmenopausal women often have lower levels, running between 7 and 40 ng/dL.
Correction
Treatment of high testosterone levels involves defining the underlying cause and managing symptoms. If high testosterone is related to illness or disease, such as ovarian or adrenal cancer, tumor removal and cancer treatment can reduce testosterone levels. Some physicians prescribe birth control pills because they contain estrogen and progesterone, which are female hormones. Birth control pills may help reduce levels of testosterone in women. A medication called spironolactone can help to block the body's receptors to testosterone, which can reduce symptoms. If you are suffering from symptoms of high testosterone, check with your doctor about which types of medications are available.
