Testosterone limits for female athletes based on flawed science CU Boulder Today University of Colorado Boulder
To find out if your symptoms are caused by a testosterone deficiency, it’s important to undergo a blood test in order to establish your hormone profile. Your consultant will then be able to analyse the results and provide you with a treatment plan. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes and in small amounts within the adrenal gland. But in women, testosterone is made in the ovaries (most of this is converted to estrogen) and also in the adrenal glands. It is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. High or low T levels in women may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hirsutism, PCOS, tumors, or CAH.
As the dose is so low, testosterone used in this way does not usually increase your risk of developing facial hair, voice deepening or skin changes. It can sometimes take a few months for the full effects of testosterone to work in your body, whether this is using the cream, gel or the implant. Moreover, the relatively insensitive testosterone assays used and the failure to consider the effect of SHBG binding, or estrogen.
In fact, most of what is testosterone used for we know about abnormally high testosterone levels in men comes from athletes who use anabolic steroids, testosterone, or related hormones to increase muscle mass and athletic performance. Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control the production of testosterone in men. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone. A "feedback loop" closely regulates the amount of hormone in the blood. When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production. Below is a chart representing the normal range for female testosterone levels by age and ng/dL. Due to a lack of research on long-term safety, testosterone therapy isn't right for women with heart, blood vessel or liver disease.
Testosterone may also offer females some more subtle effects, like impacting mood and (here’s the big one) sexual desire. That’s right, the big "T" is linked to the big "O" for women as well as men. Understanding your hormone levels can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate these symptoms. By knowing your testosterone level, you can work with your healthcare provider to improve reproductive health and achieve fertility goals. In men, testosterone plays an important role in sperm production and supporting overall reproductive health. Low testosterone levels can result in fewer sperm, less active sperm, and other fertility problems. Testosterone is called an androgenic hormone because it stimulates the development of male characteristics.
If the measurement is lower, the dosage may be increased to 75-mg DHEA a day. Androgen values should be checked within several months and, if needed, the dose may be further increased to 100-mg DHEA. DHEA treatment is used in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with low androgen levels. Of all methods of hormone replacement DHEA is preferred although options such as Estratest and testosterone 1% gel are available. DHEA has recently been used to treat women who have adrenal insufficiency, who by definition have markedly decreased DHEA levels. It has been found to improve general energy, well-being and sexuality. DHEA has also been studied in older men and women to aid in muscle strength with variable responses.
For women with diagnosed low testosterone levels, therapy can be a life-changing intervention. However, when administered correctly and under medical supervision, testosterone therapy does not cause masculinization. Proper dosing is essential, and our bioidentical hormone replacement certified provider Julie Chatt, NP tailors treatment plans to maintain hormone levels within the normal female range. This careful and continuous monitoring can prevent unwanted side effects.
The link between testosterone therapy in women and breast cancer and heart disease are currently being studied. Most females don’t develop male characteristics because testosterone and other androgens act differently in their bodies, being quickly converted to estrogen. Both females and males experience an initial surge of testosterone and estrogen during puberty, which lasts through young adulthood. Around the time that menopause begins, a woman may be more likely to have less testosterone because the ovaries are producing fewer hormones.
Studies have not shown testosterone levels change meaningfully during the menopause transition. The ovaries release both testosterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, and the levels of the two hormones in the blood peak around ovulation. Ever heard "low testosterone" blamed for low mood, brain fog and loss of vitality? Despite all evidence to the contrary, social media influencers are increasingly promoting testosterone therapy as an elixir for women experiencing troubling symptoms of menopause. Learn about hormone replacement therapy for men, including the risks, side effects, and alternatives.
This is especially true when both partners manage their hormone health together. However, what many people don’t realize is that women also produce testosterone, albeit in smaller amounts. And, this hormone is vital for their overall health and well-being. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if any of these symptoms arise. Addressing these signs early on can prevent long-term health complications and improve your quality of life.
Like high testosterone, there’s no definitive range as to what is considered low testosterone, or hypogonadism, in women. "Lab reference ranges are most often used when treating older menopausal women—so these ranges skew toward lower levels," Dr. Dorr explains. In the United States and many other countries, government agencies that regulate medicines haven't approved testosterone therapy for women. But it can be prescribed if it might have a medical benefit for someone. The hormone testosterone may boost sex drive for some women after menopause. But there's little research on how safe it is and how well it works over the long term. If you think you may have symptoms of low testosterone or excess testosterone, talk to your healthcare provider.
