Testosterone is a truly male hormone, an androgen, which is responsible for masculinity, strength, and the formation of primary sexual characteristics (meaning the genitals). Thanks to the influence of testosterone on the male body, its reproductive function is performed. Of course, in the female body, you can not find a large number of testosterone. If it is above a certain norm, then this pathology. Also in the male body - a low level of the hormone testosterone is considered a symptom of the disease and hormonal imbalance.

Androgens - what are they?

There are several types of male hormones, more precisely, they all refer to testosterone, being its components:

• Dihydrotestosterone;
• Androstenedione;
• Dehydroepiandrosterone.

In the body of a man and a woman, testosterone is in two states - free and bound. And therefore, if you are going to take an analysis in the laboratory for the level in the body, then it is necessary to clarify - what kind of testosterone do you mean, or what kind your doctor will turn to.

Free testosterone in the human body is the result of metabolic processes. Its level is always within 2%. If a woman has hormonal disruptions, then this is manifested by an increase in the level of free testosterone, male-type hair begins to grow on the body, there are no periods, and reproductive function is impaired.

An important male hormone

Testosterone is a very important male hormone. He is responsible for how a man's genitals are formed, for his muscles, body, behavioral response, strength, endurance. Testosterone regulates sexual function and is critical to a man's ability to conceive.

If, during puberty, a young man has some physical abnormalities, then it is necessary to take a blood test for the level of the hormone testosterone and check if everything is normal. At any stage of male development, hormonal levels can be regulated.

If a man has a low testosterone level, then this is determined by:

• Sleep disturbance;
• Depressive state;
• Dry skin;
• Excess weight concentrated in the abdomen and thighs;
• Sexual dysfunction, the man has impaired reproductive function.

The norm of testosterone in men - from 12 to 33 nmol / l.

Free testosterone - norm 4.5 - 42 pg / ml.

Biologically active testosterone - the norm is from 3.5 to 12 nmol / l.

Why is testosterone lowered?

Male hormone levels can decrease due to:

• Depression, stress, neuro-emotional state and unbalanced psychological state (trauma);
• Alcohol, caffeine abuse;
• Not proper nutrition(there is a large amount of fatty, fried, spicy, smoked foods, fast food, carbonated water in the diet);
• Long-term treatment with medicines that have a side effect - a decrease in testosterone (carefully read the instructions for all medicines that you are taking or are going to take!);
• Physical inactivity (office work most often implies a sedentary lifestyle, and after work, few men go in for sports or devote minimal time to active loads);
• Age (with age in men, testosterone levels decrease and this is a variant of the norm).

When testosterone is elevated, then ...

An increased testosterone level does not mean masculinity or benefits for the male body. On the contrary, everything that exceeds the norm is harmful to the body. So, elevated level testosterone can cause testicular atrophy in men and.

If the level of the hormone is elevated, then the man is very often angry, breaks down, he has a large amount of hair on his body, and he has acne.

Woman and testosterone

As mentioned above, testosterone is present in the body in women. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. If testosterone is normal in the female body, then:

• In the ovaries, follicles fully mature, from which the egg then comes out, ready for fertilization (that is, the reproductive function is performed);
• A woman is always in a normal mood - she is not aggressive (an increased level of testosterone is responsible for aggression);
• The sebaceous glands work properly on the body, the face is free of acne, pimples and boils;
• The skeleton is developed according to the female type - wide hips, narrow waist, lush chest.

The norm of testosterone in women is on average from 0.26 to 1.30 ng / ml.

The norm of testosterone in girls under 20 years old - 0.13 to 3.09 ng / ml.

• in women from 20 to 40 years old - about t 0.13 to 4.1 ng / ml;
• in women from 40 to 59 years old - from 0.13 to 2.6 ng / ml;
• in women from 60 years of age and older - from 0.1 to 1.8 ng / ml.

If testosterone is low in the female body, then ...

• worried about the lack of orgasm and sexual arousal;
• decreased sexual function;
• weakness, lethargy of the body;
• susceptibility to stress, depression, passive mood.

If testosterone is increased in the female body, then ...

• body hair is located in the male pattern - mustache, beard, abdomen, back, perineum;
• rough voice;
• acne on the face, comedones;
• reproductive dysfunction - a woman cannot get pregnant;
• hair on the head falls out;
• the genitals are pathologically enlarged (meaning the clitoris);
• broken or missing menstrual cycle;
• if pregnancy occurs, then it most often breaks down (miscarriage occurs).

Recommendation: if you are planning a pregnancy, both the woman and the man need to have a blood test for the level of the hormone testosterone. Otherwise, it can lead to long attempts at conception or serious consequences in the form of termination of pregnancy due to high levels of the hormone.

Where to contact?

You can donate testosterone on your own, without a doctor's referral, in any laboratory. For this, blood is taken from a vein. Preparation for the analysis consists in the absence of sexual intercourse 3 days before the analysis; cessation of alcohol, smoking, food intake 12 hours before the analysis. Blood is donated in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Testosterone is a sex hormone traditionally considered to be male. Meanwhile, it plays an important role in maintaining the health of the beautiful half of humanity. Testosterone is an androgen that is synthesized in both the male and female body. It is responsible for puberty, fertility and sexual desire in both sexes.

In men, testosterone is synthesized mainly in the testes, in women - in the ovaries, although in much smaller quantities than in men. Testosterone has a significant effect on the formation of many traits, including:

• the volume of muscle and bone mass,
• physical strength,
• body hair growth.

However, testosterone has a big impact on a woman's reproductive function as well as her ability to feel sexually aroused. The synthesis of testosterone increases up to about 30 years, then it remains at the same level, and after 50 years its gradual decrease begins.

Testosterone is present in the human body in 3 different forms. Most of the total testosterone is testosterone, which is in conjunction with globulin that binds sex hormones. It accounts for about 70%. Testosterone, bound to another protein, albumin, takes about 30%. This is a loosely bound form of testosterone. Finally, about 1%, or sometimes a little more, is occupied by free testosterone, which is not associated with any proteins. The last two forms of testosterone are active or, as they say, bioavailable. It is the level of free testosterone that is measured in a testosterone blood test.

The rate of testosterone in the blood. Decoding the result (table)

A blood test for testosterone is most often performed in case of delayed puberty or, conversely, in case of too early puberty. Testosterone levels in men should be checked in the following cases:

• with infertility, decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction,
• with the onset of andropause,
• for the diagnosis of hypogonadism,
• with the development of osteoporosis, especially in old age,
• in the presence of active acne.

For women, this analysis can be assigned to find out the reasons,

• infertility
• amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities,
• hirsutism or excessive masculinity, including male pattern baldness and too low voice,
• severe acne.

Also, a blood test for testosterone is done to newborn children if they have ambiguous sexual characteristics. In this case this analysis is part of a comprehensive analysis of the level of all sex hormones.

Shelter is taken from a vein, usually in the morning and on an empty stomach.

• males 18-69 years: 250-1100 ng / dl,
• men 70 years and older: 90-890 ng / dl.

The rate of testosterone in the blood of non-pregnant and pregnant women:

If testosterone is elevated, what does it mean?

Too high testosterone levels in men may indicate the following conditions:

• testicular tumors:
• adrenal tumors that synthesize testosterone,
• early puberty of unknown etiology,
• in children and infants - congenital adrenal hyperplasia,
• incomplete androgen resistance syndrome - Reifenstein syndrome,
• increased thyroid function - hyperthyroidism,
• Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome.

In addition, the increased testosterone level itself represents known issue and can lead to the following pathologies:

• severe acne - excess testosterone enhances the activity of the sebaceous glands,
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels,
• liver disease
• aggressiveness and instability of mood with sudden changes,
• baldness,
• sleep apnea. In turn, apnea often leads to high blood pressure and sometimes causes stroke.
• prostate cancer,
• infertility associated with a decrease in the number of active sperm.

In women, high testosterone levels can result from:

• ovarian tumors,
• adrenal tumors,
• polycystic ovary syndrome,
• Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome,
• congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Symptoms of high testosterone levels in women are:

• irregular or completely absent menstruation,
• infertility,
• hair growth on the face and body,
• too low voice
• baldness,
• the development of muscle mass for the male type.

The use of certain medications can lead to an increased level of testosterone, namely: anabolic steroids, valproic acid, barbiturates, oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, estrogens and many others. Therefore, before taking the test, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or dietary supplements that you have taken in recent months.

An increase in testosterone levels has been observed in women during pregnancy. But this is not a pathology and should not worry expectant mother- after childbirth, the level of the hormone quickly returns to normal.

If testosterone is low, what does it mean?

Low testosterone levels in men are called hypogonadism. This phenomenon has the following symptoms:

• reduction in the amount of hair on the body and face,
• decrease in muscle mass,
• decreased sex drive,
• erectile dysfunction,
• breast enlargement - gynecomastia,
• obesity.

Low testosterone levels in men can have the following reasons:

• delayed puberty,
• damage to the testicles due to mumps, trauma or alcoholism,
• diseases of the hypothalamus,
• diseases of the pituitary gland, including benign tumors,
• some genetic diseases, in particular myotonic dystrophy, Klinefelter's syndrome, Kallmann's syndrome.

If the rate of testosterone in the blood decreases in older men, then this can lead to the risk of developing osteoporosis.

As for women, the decrease in testosterone levels is not of clinical interest and is not used for diagnosis.

The rate of testosterone in womenvaries with age and while carrying a child. In contrast to the man, the female is subject to hormonal changes throughout her life, so testosterone levels, as well as other hormones, tend to change.

If testosterone deviates from the norm, a woman develops health problems, moreover, a female of reproductive age loses the ability to conceive.

What is testosterone in women

Testosterone — the main male sex hormone, androgen, but the substance is also produced in the woman's body, although the testosterone norms of the fairer sex differ depending on age.

The production of the hormone in a woman occurs with the help of the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone serves to maintain muscle and fat. That is why women are more likely than men to be overweight, since testosterone production in women occurs in smaller proportions.

It is interesting! The hormone regulates the state of bone tissue, favors an increase in vitality, helps to combat chronic fatigue, and controls the activity of the sebaceous glands. With a norm of testosterone, a woman feels full of strength, prevails in a good mood, is able to concentrate and memorize information.

A woman needs testosterone to maintain the following functions:

• follicle growth process;
• streamlined work of the reproductive system;
• weight gain;
• bone mineralization;
• normalization of the secretion of the sebaceous glands, fat metabolism;
• the formation of libido;
• regulation of the metabolism of proteins, phosphorus, nitrogen, lipoproteins;
• reducing the likelihood of manifestations of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• increased efficiency;
• resistance to stress;
• improvement of water-salt metabolism;
• control of blood glucose levels.

The rate of testosterone in women

Testosterone rates are different at different times of the day. In the morning, the hormone reaches its maximum value, closer to night there is a decrease.

Testosterone also changes depending on the age of the female: girls have higher rates than menopausal women. If a woman regularly plays sports, the amount of testosterone increases, therefore, athletes always have a higher testosterone rate than a woman who neglects active physical activity.

Note! During pregnancy, a woman's testosterone also rises.

The rate of total and free testosterone in women

Experts identify two hormonal indicators:

1. Total testosterone- shows the general level of the hormone in the body;
2. Free testosterone- means a hormone that is not associated with proteins.

Let's present the norms of testosterone in the table based on the age of the woman:

Remember! In each laboratory, the test rates differ, therefore, if in doubt, a woman is recommended to retake blood for a hormone. Before examining blood, doctors advise limiting physical activity, excluding smoking and not succumbing to stressful situations.

Testosterone and pregnancy

During pregnancy, testosterone levels increase by several units, and these indicators are not considered a deviation from the norm. The hormone progresses during gestation because the placenta joins the production process. High rates are due to the production of progesterone by the fetus, in particular, an increased level is observed if a woman has a boy.

Testosterone levels are highest in women in the third trimester. It is considered normal if during this period the hormone is exceeded by 2-4 times.

Interesting! In some women, not only during pregnancy, but also during ovulation, the testosterone hormone rises.

Causes of hormonal disorders

To establish the exact causes of testosterone imbalance, you need to consult a doctor, who, based on the history and collection of tests, will prescribe the correct treatment.

Experts identify several factors that contribute to the increase in testosterone:

• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
• genetic factor;
• dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
• disorders of the pituitary gland.

Remember! The main factor in increasing testosterone in women is dysfunction of the adrenal cortex and pathology of the reproductive organs.

If a woman has a low testosterone level, the following reasons are to blame:

• alcoholism, tobacco smoking;
• lack of carbohydrates in the body;
• a diet that limits fat intake;
• impaired renal function;
• menopause.

Increased testosterone in women - what does it mean

Important! If a woman has an increase in the rate of testosterone, this threatens a number of serious consequences. The figure of the fairer sex resembles a masculine one, the voice coarsens, the hair on the head becomes smaller, but there is an increased hair growth on the arms, legs, face, and groin.

Symptoms of high testosterone:

• hair loss on the head;
• hirsutism - male-pattern excess hair growth;
• the figure becomes masculine;
• increased oily skin;
• acne;
• rough voice;
• disorder of the menstrual cycle;
• increased physical activity;
• nervousness, aggression;
• increased sex drive;
• feeling of soreness in the lower abdomen.

A woman immediately notices signs of increased testosterone, therefore, at the first symptoms, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist for diagnostics and treatment. If you ignore the pathology, sleep is disturbed, irritability appears, the work of the ovaries is disrupted, which is fraught with problems with conception, infertility and miscarriage. Therefore, if a woman is pregnant, it is necessary to carefully monitor the rate of testosterone.

Low testosterone in women

Need to know! Low testosterone levels lead to physical weakness, fatigue, and loss of strength. A woman loses her sexual desire, becomes overweight and may develop osteoporosis due to insufficient mineralization of bone tissue. A woman's mood is also changeable when testosterone deviates from the norm downwards - a female representative is prone to depressive disorders.

Symptoms of a low hormone level:

• loss of muscle mass;
• excessive sweating;
• chronic overwork, stress, depression;
• decreased libido.

Low testosterone fluctuations are fraught with the appearance of diabetes mellitus, heart and vascular diseases, osteoporosis, malignant tumors in the mammary gland, endometritis.

Pathology treatment

Treatment for high or low testosterone levels depends on the triggering factors. If the deviation from the norm is caused by adhering to exhausting diets, alcohol abuse, smoking, it will be possible to recover without hormone therapy. It is enough to go in for sports, include in the diet the missing substances, microelements and take medications, which include natural ingredients.

Attention! You cannot take medications to increase or decrease testosterone without a doctor's prescription - you can aggravate the condition and harm the body. The specialist prescribes hormonal drugs taking into account individual characteristics patients.

Ways to lower testosterone levels

In order to bring testosterone back to normal without medication, you must adhere to a number of rules:

1. Correct nutritious diet - eat more proteins, fats, carbohydrates and eat foods containing phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, trace elements, vitamins, that is, meat, fish, seafood;
2. Stretching exercises are effective, fitness - with portable workouts will help burn calories, especially if you had to cancel the diet, and contribute to the establishment of hormonal levels without the use of medications;
3. In the absence of effect by the above methods, the doctor recommends the means traditional medicine. Infusions, balsams, tinctures, teas with extracts of licorice root, primrose, rod and other herbal teas will help to establish a female hormonal background.

to the content

Preparation for the test

To determine the level of testosterone, blood is taken from a vein. The analysis is performed on a paid basis, and the results (norm or deviation from the norm) are ready within a day after blood sampling.

It is important! If you suspect it is recommended to take the analysis to another laboratory.

A woman is recommended to take an analysis for the level of testosterone on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle.... At the same time, it is necessary to give up eating food (drinking water is not prohibited), alcohol and cigarettes in 12 hours - otherwise the analysis will be invalid, moreover, intimacy and physical activity before donating blood from a vein are also contraindicated. Best time taking a blood test for testosterone - in the morning.

Summarizing

It is important that a woman's testosterone is within the normal range, otherwise negative consequences cannot be avoided. The reasons for the increased or decreased testosterone levels are different, but they are always visible visually and make themselves felt by the manifestation of diseases of the reproductive organs, musculoskeletal tissue, endocrine, cardiovascular systems.

If a woman's free or total testosterone is below or above the norm, this affects the external and internal state of the patient. Therefore, at the first symptoms of a deviation from the norm, a woman needs to consult a doctor, who, after diagnosing, will prescribe an effective treatment.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone from the androgen group, responsible for sexual development in both sexes, influencing the development of secondary sexual characteristics and regulating sexual function and puberty. Its biosynthesis occurs with the participation of pituitary gonadotropic hormones - luteinizing and follicle-stimulating.

Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol entering the hormone-sessing cells of the glands as part of lipoproteins. Biosynthesis begins with the cleavage of the side chain of cholesterol and occurs through a series of sequential enzymatic reactions with the participation of tissue enzymes. Male hormone during this process, it completely loses the side chain and is transported into the bloodstream.

Approximately 40-60% of total testosterone circulates in the bloodstream and combines with sex hormone-binding globulin. Thus, a metabolically inactive form of androgen is formed. The rest of the testosterone circulating in the blood binds to albumin, and only 1–2% of the total testosterone remains in a free form, not bound to proteins. Albumin-bound and free testosterone is the biologically active form of the hormone. They are tissue accessible and easily penetrate target cells. During metabolic activation, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone, which is its more active form, and a small percentage of the hormone is converted to estradiol. Testosterone is inactivated by the liver.

What is the hormone testosterone responsible for in women?

Testosterone is largely responsible for women's sexual and reproductive health. The largest amount of androgen is synthesized in ovarian cells and adrenal cortex. Adipose tissue, skin, muscle and placenta also produce testosterone, but in small amounts.

The main functions of the hormone in women:

• stimulation of sexual desire;
• reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies;
• increasing stress resistance and endurance, stimulating development and functioning nervous system, changes in brain activity;
• effect on hair follicles, sexual hair growth;
• activation of the sebaceous glands;
• regulation of the process of natural sweating;
• development of adipose tissue;
• influence on the formation of mammary glands;
• maintaining normal physiology in pregnant women;
• influence on the maturation of the egg and the formation of the corpus luteum;
• regulation of the function of the reproductive system;
• an increase in the process of synthesis and breakdown of protein, growth of muscle mass;
• normalization of bone density;
• regulation of skeletal development and bone growth during puberty;
• control of blood sugar levels;
• improving the assimilation of water and minerals by the body;
• synthesis of lipoproteins in the liver;
• influence on protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

Abnormalities of the testosterone hormone in women are reflected in both their appearance, and on the state of health.

Total testosterone in women: normal

Depending on the research method used, the laboratory and the units of measurement, the rate of testosterone in women varies. These factors are important to consider when interpreting a hormone test.

Normally, a physiological increase in the concentration of the hormone in the blood occurs during puberty, during pregnancy and during lactation.

The phase of the menstrual cycle and the age of the patient, as well as the time of day and the presence of pregnancy, directly affect the value of the normal indicator. Daily fluctuations in the level of androgen in the blood are associated with the rhythm of its secretion. Higher concentrations are observed in the morning, minimum values ​​in the evening. On average, 0.4 mg of testosterone is produced in women per day.

Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the rate of testosterone in women varies within the following ranges:

• luteal phase: 0.29 to 1.73 ng / ml;
• ovulatory phase: 0.46 to 2.48 ng / ml;
• follicular phase: 0.45 to 3.17 ng / ml.

During pregnancy, the content of the hormone in the blood gradually increases and by the third trimester reaches an indicator that exceeds the normal level by 3-4 times.

The concentration of the hormone also changes with age. So, in girls in puberty, it rises, and in women over the age of 35, it gradually decreases. With menopause, the level of androgen normally decreases by 1.5-2 times.

Table of the norm of testosterone in women by age:

The table shows the values ​​of total testosterone, that is, all parts of the hormone in the blood serum. To determine the ratio of the free fraction to the total amount, the free testosterone index is used.

Low testosterone

The reasons for a decrease in the concentration of androgen in women can be autoimmune and endocrine pathologies, ovarian neoplasms, surgical menopause, diseases of the adrenal glands, hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

A decrease in testosterone levels can also be observed in cases of malnutrition (including fasting and eating foods low in calories or protein), chronic stress, psycho-emotional overload, a sedentary lifestyle, abuse bad habits, low sexual activity, rare sun exposure, conditions accompanied by a deficiency of adipose tissue, natural age-related changes during the pre- and postmenopausal period.

The reason for the decrease in the concentration of androgen may be therapy with certain drugs, which include antiulcer, anticonvulsant and antimycotic drugs, immunosuppressants and hormonal contraceptives.

The main treatment for androgen secretion disorders is hormonal therapy. Medicines, doses and duration of therapy are prescribed by the doctor on an individual basis.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency are:

• decreased ability to concentrate, memory impairment;
• dry skin, a decrease in its tone and thickness, the appearance of cracks;
• loss of muscle tone, decrease in muscle mass;
• sleep disorders;
• poor exercise tolerance;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• depression, tearfulness, irritability, mood lability;
• dryness, brittleness and hair loss;
• reducing the amount of vaginal lubrication;
• decreased libido.

High testosterone

Normally, a physiological increase in the concentration of the hormone in the blood occurs during puberty, during pregnancy and during lactation. The excess of androgen in women in other cases is a consequence of disorders in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary-adrenal system.

Detection of androgen levels above normal may indicate the presence of Itsenko-Cushing's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic pathologies, diabetes mellitus, androgen-producing tumors of the ovaries and adrenal glands. Also to possible reasons increased testosterone, including in women over the age of 30, includes obesity, unhealthy diet, therapy with certain hormonal agents.

Symptoms that indicate that androgen levels are elevated include:

• hirsutism;
• hyperhidrosis;
• menstrual irregularities, miscarriage, infertility;
• arterial hypertension;
• striae;
• diffuse thinning of hair on the head;
• obesity;
• aggressive behavior, irascibility;
• increased libido;
• disorders of carbohydrate and electrolyte metabolism;
• hypertrophy of the labia and clitoris;
• atrophy of the mammary glands, an increase in muscle mass, the development of a male figure;
• oily seborrhea, acne;
• decrease in the timbre of the voice.

Diagnostics of deviations from the norm

At the stage of the initial examination, the hereditary history of the woman is studied in detail, the features of metabolic disorders are clarified, a genetic analysis is carried out, a study of hormonal status, as well as a gynecological examination to identify concomitant diseases of the pelvic organs. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary region and computed tomography or MRI of the adrenal glands, the presence of tumor processes is determined.

Blood sampling to determine the concentration of testosterone is taken from a vein. Non-pregnant patients are recommended to donate blood on the 6th or 7th day of the menstrual cycle; according to the doctor's prescription, the analysis can be carried out at the beginning of the cycle - on the 2nd or 3rd day. For a reliable assessment of androgenic status, it is recommended that the study can be repeated several times at regular intervals.

Daily fluctuations in the level of androgen in the blood are associated with the rhythm of its secretion. Higher concentrations are observed in the morning, minimum values ​​in the evening. On average, 0.4 mg of testosterone is produced in women per day.

The analysis is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach. The last food should be taken 8 hours (at least) before the study, only drinking water is allowed. A few days before blood sampling, it is important to exclude fatty foods from the diet, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid psychoemotional and physical exertion, and also, in agreement with the doctor, cancel taking medications, postpone X-ray and ultrasound examinations.

Therapy for abnormal testosterone in women

The main treatment for androgen secretion disorders is hormonal therapy. Medicines, doses and duration of therapy are prescribed by the doctor on an individual basis.

If increased testosterone is detected, drugs containing spironolactone and metformin are used. These substances suppress hormone production or prevent it from binding to receptors in target cells. Due to the fact that the high concentration of androgen in women in most cases is accompanied by overweight, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet of macro and micronutrients, with a reduced calorie intake.

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The hormonal background in the human body, ideally, should be stable and balanced. If there are any fluctuations in the amount of production of these substances by various body systems, serious diseases will begin to develop. When the norm (free testosterone) in women is noted, she may not worry about her reproductive health, since this hormone is considered the most important.

However, it is not enough to know what the hormone is called, you still need to figure out what functions it is responsible for. Therefore, you should clearly understand for yourself what free testosterone is in women, how it differs from total testosterone, which can cause it to decrease or increase.

Considering this hormone, experts draw the attention of patients to the fact that the definition of a free form implies its understanding as an active substance. Total and free testosterone in women differs in that in the complex of the second there are no sex hormones and proteins, including albumin and hemoglobin.

Let's look in more detail, free testosterone in women - what it is. Experts describe it as unrelated, and it takes no more than two percent of the total indicators. Its main task in the body of the fairer sex is the regulation of sexual desire.

At the same time, free testosterone (the norm for women pg / ml at different ages will be given later) is also responsible for the following:

1. Thanks to him, the regulation of the production and growth of protein occurs;
2. Without this hormone, the normal development of muscle fibers does not occur;
3. Free testosterone is responsible for controlling the sebaceous glands;
4. Without its normal amount, calcium will not be absorbed and deposited in the bones;
5. Under his control, the mammary glands fully develop and the follicles in the ovaries mature.

It is relatively clear what free testosterone is in women; it is also worth noting that when its indicators fluctuate, girls' mood may worsen or improve. Despite the fact that this hormone is considered to be male, its normal amount in the female body is necessary for full health and well-coordinated work of all systems.

Determination of the level

With what is between the hormone testosterone common and free, the difference in women is relatively understandable. It should also be understood that to determine the percentage of all its indicators in the body, it will be enough to go to the nearest clinic and pass the necessary test.

An analysis for free testosterone in women can equally be prescribed by both an endocrinologist and a gynecologist. If the patient does not know who to contact, then you can make an appointment with a therapist, and he will already refer you to a narrow specialist. The norm of the free testosterone index in women is established by medical standards, and ranges from 0.31 to 3.78 nmol / l.

These values ​​are typical for the fair sex who are in reproductive age, do not take oral contraceptives, and do not carry a child, and also take an analysis on the 7-10th day of the cycle. In extremely rare cases, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and blood sampling for its conduct, is prescribed on the 4th-5th day of the cycle.

The free testosterone index in women should be 12 times lower than in men. To obtain correct results, it is necessary to stop eating 10 hours before blood sampling, smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited, only pure water... For about a day, you need to refrain from physical activity and stress.

What testosterone to take (general or free) to a woman, the leading specialist will tell, after taking an anamnesis and a preliminary examination of the patient.

Testosterone rates

Sometimes, depending on the state of health, testosterone in women is increased or decreased. In girls of infancy who have not yet turned one year old, the norm is considered to be from 0 to 2.31, in the period from one to six years - 0-1.22, in the age from six to eleven years - 0.49-1 , 82. For adolescents, 0.84-4.46 (from 11 to 15 years old) and from 1.36 to 473 (from 15 to 18 years old) are considered normal.

Free testosterone in women is increased, provided that studies have shown a result of more than 3.78 nmol / l, when the norm should be from 0.31 to 3.78 if the patient is of reproductive age. Free testosterone (the norm in women on day 3 of the cycle) ranges from 0.45 to 3.17. The free testosterone index is lowered in women who are taking oral contraceptives. For such girls, the norm will be values ​​from 0.45 to 2.88.

Lowering the norm

If a lowered source is diagnosed. free index Testosterone in women, then the doctor can say that there are hidden diseases in her body, including:

• Menopause period;
• Down syndrome diagnosed;
• Rapid weight loss;
• Endometriosis;
• Cancer of the mammary glands;
• Diabetes;
• Osteoporosis;
• Pathology of the cardiac or vascular system.

In addition, if the indicators of this hormone do not reach the lower limit of the norm, then the woman cannot increase muscle mass, and also the body does not know how to burn fat. It is possible that deviations in the work of the gonads will develop, or renal failure will develop. Therefore, it is always important to know whether high free testosterone in women is low or normal.

Often, the lack of this hormone is evidenced by rapid fatigue, general ill health, lack of mood and sex drive, depression, excessive sweating and oily hair.

Raising the norm

If it has been determined that a woman has increased free testosterone, the causes of this condition must be understood. In particular, when identifying indicators that have crossed the upper limit of the norm, doctors diagnose hyperandrogenism in the patient.

The development of this violation can be provoked by:

1. Work of the adrenal glands in an enhanced mode;
2. The presence of a genetic predisposition;
3. Treatment by taking hormonal drugs;
4. The presence of tumor formations on the ovaries;
5. Malnutrition;
6. The period of menstrual bleeding;
7. Any trimester of bearing a child.

It is important to note that bioavailable testosterone is elevated in women preparing to become mothers. Approximately two, and sometimes four times. If there is no pregnancy, then it is imperative to determine why the level of this hormone has increased, because in the absence of treatment, that is, stability in the level of testosterone, there will be disruptions in the menstrual cycle, infertility, strong libido and craving for fulfillment may develop. Physical activity.

How to downgrade

Free testosterone in women, increased or decreased in medicine, is considered as a certain pathology that requires mandatory correction. For starters, each doctor will suggest adhering to correct diet... It is worth saying that a balanced diet will allow to normalize not only the balance of this hormone, but also contribute to an overall improvement in health.

If high free testosterone has been diagnosed in women, how to lower it through proper nutrition is described in detail:

• It is necessary to give preference to protein products, in particular, fish and chicken meat will be useful;
• You should also introduce dairy products into your diet, including: cottage cheese, full-fat milk and cream;
• It is best not to eat a vegetarian diet;
• Meals should be fractional, it is better not to skip meals, it is better to make them 5-6, but in small portions;
• Products containing free testosterone should be excluded from the diet: eggs, legumes, garlic, hazelnuts, almonds;
• You need to add healthy sweet foods to your menu that contain natural fructose (dates, honey, fruits);
• You should also eat foods that contain low molecular weight sugars (potatoes, white bread, cereals, in particular, oatmeal).

It is not recommended to engage in self-adjustment of hormone levels in the body, since inept actions can lead to irreparable consequences, because an excess of testosterone is just as dangerous as a decrease.

Testosterone level (video)