It is possible for a woman’s testosterone production to be too high or too low. Because testosterone is a key hormone in the body, a testosterone imbalance can have quite an impact on your health and well-being. Although testosterone is often thought of as a “male hormone”, it’s actually vital to women as well. Optimal testosterone levels are important for both men and women to maintain overall health and well-being.
TESTOSTERONE IN WOMEN
This hormone helps the body with several different functions. For example, normal testosterone levels in women help regulate mood and support the health of female reproductive tissues and bones. Because of this, symptoms can arise if there is a testosterone imbalance and levels get too high or too low.
Here are a few key roles testosterone can play in a woman’s health:
- Maintenance and growth of bones
- Increases muscle mass
- Decreases body fat
- Supports a healthy libido or sex drive
- May help decrease vaginal atrophy (occurring most often in post-menopausal women)
support cardiovascular health - Improved mood
SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
While normal testosterone production in females can have many beneficial effects, too little or too much of this hormone can have a less-than-positive effect on the body. Some common signs include low libido, weight gain, and changes in mood. Low testosterone levels over a long period of time may also contribute to more serious issues like heart disease, poor memory, and loss of bone density.
Other signs include:
- Your hair may begin to thin
- Irritability
- Your skin may become drier
- Your sex drive may be on the lower side
- You might lose muscle mass
- An increase in body fat, as well as mood changes
- Sexual dysfunction, bone loss, and overall loss of strength may be other possible signs
CAUSES OF LOWER TESTOSTERONE IN FEMALES
Possible causes could be due to the following:
- Long-term use of various methods of birth control
- Perimenopause and Menopause
- Ovarian failure-where the ovaries stop functioning properly. Possible cause of this scenario include chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and eating disorders.
- Using certain medication-such as anti-hypertensives and opiates.
- Tumors on various glands in the body-such as the pituitary gland.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH TESTOSTERONE IN FEMALES
On the other hand, there can be an overproduction of testosterone that can lead to a different set of problems and symptoms. Signs include:
- Excessive acne
- Abnormal hair growth throughout the body
- An enlarged clitoris and smaller breast size
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Menstrual irregularities
The best thing to do is get your hormone levels checked. If your levels fall outside the healthy, normal range, then your health and well-being could be at risk over time. From weight gain and increased body hair to menstrual cycle irregularities and lowered muscle mass, there are a number of symptoms that can occur from a testosterone imbalance. Testosterone is not just for the men. As stated, it plays a significant role in the woman’s body as well.
For more information please contact Premier Health and Wellness by visiting the site or by contacting the staff at (512) 459-4405.
