Testosterone – A Women’s Hormone?
Testosterone is considered the macho hormone of men, but women have it, too. Learn all about the importance of testosterone for the female body and its role in balancing hormones, here.
Testosterone for Our Body
Testosterone whets the appetite for sex, strengthens muscles and bones, and provides the necessary energy boost to face everyday life. It is not only a male hormone but just as important for women. Only the right amount is important. Because if the hormones are not in balance, we feel weak and lack energy or gain weight, for example. But there are also a lot of other symptoms. If you think something is odd with your body, soul or mind, talk to a doctor. It could have to do with your hormones or even be something completely different. Medics are there to help you.
The Sex Hormone Testosterone in Men and Women
Testosterone is a sex hormone or androgen, that occurs in both the male and female body. However, the mode of action and the concentration differ. Men have much more of it in their bodies than women. Therefore this hormone is also the most important and best-known one of the “strong sex”. In men, the testicles are its main producer. But women also produce testosterone, mainly in the ovaries. Tthe adrenal glands also produce a small amount of it in both men and women.
High Testosterone in Women
Reasons for a Boost
Diseases or disorders of the adrenal gland can lead to the formation of large amounts of testosterone. For example, the hereditary adrenogenital syndrome causes the disturbance of forming two other hormones in the adrenal glands. The hormonal glands then produce less aldosterone and cortisol and instead more testosterone.
Increased production of this androgen can lead to:
- sexual development disorders
- growth disorders
- increased body hair
Consequences of High Testosterone Levels
Researchers have also found a link between elevated testosterone levels and depression in middle-aged women. In girls, this leads, among other things, to increased hairiness, lack of breast development and the absence of menstruation. Other signs are a deep voice, stronger muscles as well as harder facial features.
If this applies to you, don’t let it get you down! You are a strong and beautiful person, no matter your breast size or the amount of facial hair you have. Beauty is so individual, it comes in all shapes and sizes! Talk to a trusted friend about this and empower each other.
Elevated Testosterone Concentration and PCOS
Serious hormonal imbalances make it more difficult for women to get pregnant. Increased testosterone levels can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is the most common cause of infertility. PCOS has not yet been fully researched and there are different types of the syndrome. But it is clear, that it leads to cystic changes in the ovaries. Those, however, cause various disorders.
Researchers suspect that the disorder is inherited. External factors, like obesity, can also contribute to PCOS. But women of normal weights might have it, too. So if you have been trying to get pregnant without success checking your hormones is a good idea.
Low Testosterone Levels
Reasons for Low Levels
Physical stress can be one of the most common causes of an unbalanced hormone level. But hereditary disorders, various medications and addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol can also be reasons for a deficiency. In addition, with increasing age, the activity of the ovaries decreases and testosterone production decreases. This is especially the case after the onset of menopause.
Symptoms for Low Concentration of the Androgen
A low testosterone level can lead to decreased libido, lack of drive, lack of energy, and muscle atrophy. Too low a testosterone level can also lead to excessive fat accumulation. If you can’t get rid of your pounds despite diet and exercise, it’s worth visiting a doctor. Taking androgens can mobilize fat cells and break down excess fat. A healthy testosterone concentration also ensures resistant and firm skin.
How to Boost Testosterone in Women
The cornerstones for a balanced hormone concentration in the body are a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and a stable psyche. If underlying diseases are responsible for a disturbed testosterone level, you must treat those first. Various medications are available for this purpose.
A balanced diet with lots of fresh vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds as well as little processed food provides your body with everything it needs for the production of sex hormone. Sports, and strength training, in particular, can boost testosterone production. But your thoughts also have an effect on hormone production. An optimistic view of the future and positive thoughts can contribute to a healthy hormone concentration.
Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drugs if possible. They can damage your entire body and lead to testosterone deficiency.
If you think your hormones are not in balance, don’t start researching on the Internet. Go to your ob-gyn and have all eventualities diagnosed with blood tests and ultrasound. The subject is very complex and there are many factors that influence the clinical picture.
