Testosterone in Females

Testosterone is often referred to as the 'male hormone', since it is the main hormone associated with the development of the male sexual organs and masculine characteristics like high muscle mass, a deep voice and increased facial and body hair. However, referring to it as the 'male hormone' can be misleading, since the ovaries secrete testosterone in women. It is also secreted in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both men and women. Testosterone levels are higher in men than in women, while estrogen and progesterone, the 'female' sex hormones are correspondingly higher in women than in men. Hormonal changes however, occur in several stages of life, and are responsible for the development of certain symptoms.

Function
To understand the effects that testosterone levels may have on women, it's important to understand its functions. In females, testosterone is produced in small quantities by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The levels in females are approximately one tenth of that in males, which is why women do not develop secondary male sexual characteristics, like deepened voices, facial hair, enlarged Adam's apples and so on. In short, testosterone performs the following functions in women:

• It's responsible for the development of sexual desire, enables easier sexual arousal and more frequent orgasms; essentially the promotion of sexual health.
• It is responsible for the development of muscle mass. However, since females secrete lower levels of testosterone, they develop correspondingly less muscle mass, and are less bulky in structure.
• This hormone helps in increasing bone density. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis especially as they age, since testosterone levels drop.

High Testosterone Levels
Increased levels of testosterone in females can lead to the development of characteristics which are masculine in nature - this includes deepening of the voice, increased hair growth especially on the face, chest and limbs, and over time, increase in muscle mass and male pattern baldness. Some women with high testosterone levels may also exhibit aggressive behavior, develop coarse skin and experience irregularities in their menstrual cycle. High testosterone can also be a contributing factor towards certain medical issues in women such as:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Ovarian tumors
• Conn's syndrome
• Cushing's syndrome

Low Testosterone Levels
Correspondingly, levels of testosterone may also be below normal. The most prevalent symptoms of low testosterone in women are lack of sexual desire, accompanied by lack of sexual responsiveness and lower occurrence of (or weaker) orgasms. Low testosterone can also manifest in reduction in muscle mass, strength and overall bone weakening. A drop in the levels of this hormone in women is often linked to an increase in the risk of developing osteoporosis. As women age, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, specifically during and after menopause. Testosterone levels also see a significant reduction. Reduced quantities of these hormones can cause lack of lubrication of vaginal walls, leading to painful sex, which ultimately contributes to a fall in libido.

Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy is a consideration for some women who have reduced levels of testosterone. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether or not testosterone needs to be supplemented once levels drop, and what methods are safe and free of medical side effects.

If you experience symptoms that may indicate that you need to get your testosterone levels checked, do seek the advice of a medical practitioner. Self-diagnosis can be counterproductive so it's always advisable to get a professional to give you an informed diagnosis and then prescribe a course of treatment. However, understanding the effects and levels of testosterone in women can help you identify whether or not there is cause for concern.