The link between testosterone therapy in women and breast cancer and heart disease are currently being studied. However, the long-term safety and effects of testosterone therapy to increase libido in women isn’t well understood. Treating underlying health conditions may help balance out production of testosterone and other androgens. Most females don’t develop male characteristics because testosterone and other androgens act differently in their bodies, being quickly converted to estrogen. This production of sex hormones contributes to the development of secondary sex characteristics. Both females and males experience an initial surge of testosterone and estrogen during puberty, which lasts through young adulthood.
Changes in your sexual health could be a sign of abnormal T levels. Because testosterone is involved in the production and secretion of oil, it could also cause acne and breakouts for both males and females. For people with a vulva, high testosterone levels can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle, increased muscle mass, or an enlarged clitoris. Make sure you're getting comprehensive lab work at appropriate intervals, not just testosterone levels but the full panel of markers that reveal how your body is responding. Because cardiovascular changes often develop without obvious symptoms, regular monitoring is essential for anyone using testosterone therapy or suspected of having elevated levels.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. High or low T levels in women may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hirsutism, PCOS, tumors, or CAH. An individual can speak with their insurance provider to determine if testosterone testing is covered in their health plan.
These include some anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and clomiphene citrate. Certain medications can interfere with testosterone metabolism or measurement, leading to elevated readings. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder affecting the adrenal glands' ability to produce certain hormones.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Testosterone levels above or below the normal range are considered by many to be out of balance. Testosterone is considered to be the "male hormone" that's produced in men by the testes. Her medical career includes rotations across medical and surgical specialties, with specialized research in vascular surgery, focusing on recovery and post-operative pain outcomes. Dr. Tsogbayar leverages her clinical expertise to develop innovative health solutions and evidence-based coaching. Learn why shortness of breath and leg swelling occur together, common causes like heart failure, and when to seek immediate medical care for these symptoms.
Treatment for abnormal testosterone levels will depend on several factors. After menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels begin to decrease. However, there’s no official consensus on healthy testosterone levels. Testosterone levels may start to decline after age 30 years in males and between ages 45 and 55 years in females. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of low testosterone, it’s still good to get a blood test annually, she says. Conventional medicine only tests your testosterone if you’re experiencing symptoms of lower testosterone levels. In addition to these, having too-high testosterone levels put you at risk for health conditions including cancer, cardiac complications, and irritability (9).
You may also want to take a testosterone test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone. Testosterone production is strongest in puberty and early adulthood and begins to decline around age 30 years. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. Your provider will take a blood sample in the morning, between 7 and 10. Having most of your testosterone bound to proteins makes sure your body doesn't use too much. When testosterone is bound, your body can't use it as easily.
Late-onset male hypogonadism happens when the decline in testosterone levels is linked to general aging and/or age-related conditions, particularly obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that the normal ranges for testosterone levels can vary based on the type of blood test done and the laboratory where it is done. If a woman has symptoms of high or low testosterone, it’s recommended that she visit a healthcare provider to get further testing and a diagnosis. While there’s a clinical reference on "healthy" levels of testosterone, there’s no established information on the optimal range to diagnose abnormal levels in women. It’s okay for testosterone levels to fluctuate for women in different stages of life.

Gender: Female

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