Effects of Female Testosterone Levels

Content Health Encyclopedia University of Rochester Medical Center

Hormones play a significant role in breast tissue development and regulation, however, the concern that testosterone, or hormone therapy in general, increases the risk for breast cancer is unfounded. Testosterone does not stimulate breast tissue growth in the same way other hormones do, and it may lower the risk of breast cancer in women. By helping to keep estrogen levels stable, testosterone can potentially reduce the stimulation of cells in the breast.

Last but not least, make sure you’re getting off testosterone replacement enough quality sleep. This is essential for restoring balance to your hormones and keeping testosterone levels in check. It’s generally recommended to aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to support healthy testosterone levels (and overall health). When the hormone is out of balance, it can cause changes in metabolism and hunger levels, leading to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. As a result, you may find yourself struggling to lose weight, even with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

While many women report a return of libido after optimizing hormones, testosterone is essential for much more than sex-drive. Testosterone helps regulate several vital systems that influence mood, energy levels, physical fitness and overall physical and mental health as women age. The normal range of testosterone levels in women varies depending on age, stage of the menstrual cycle, and other factors.

Excess testosterone in male children can lead to precocious (early) puberty, which is when puberty begins before the age of nine. Testosterone triggers the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during fetal development. However, when you hear people use the term “anabolic steroids” they are generally referring to synthetic (made in a lab) variations of testosterone that are injected into your body.

Although Testosterone is generally viewed as a male-only hormone, women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. Though it sounds complicated, you now have the tools to determine the reason for your broken metabolism, the reasons regular diets don’t address the root cause of your weight gain and belly fat. Aging is not the only cause for the dwindling of women’s T levels. Medications including the use of birth control pills and the use of a popular class of antidepressants have been shown to cause a negative effect in testosterone levels. As with other important hormones, such as estrogen, high and low amounts of testosterone can greatly affect biological functions, causing a number of complications. A testosterone imbalance results when the amount of testosterone in the body fluctuates erratically. Personal experiences can stack up over time, leading to diminished sex drive and discomfort with intimacy.

Women have taken to social media to share their experiences using testosterone. If you’re concerned about low testosterone and the symptoms that come with it, LifeMD is here to help. Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone, can interrupt the sleep-wake cycle. This can disrupt an individual’s natural sleeping patterns, potentially making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Low testosterone can lead to unwanted body fat, especially around the abdomen. If you’re struggling to catch Zzzs, try creating a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bed.

Actual testosterone levels, if this genetic variant is present, would be better assessed in a blood serum test (ideally total and free testosterone). This variant metabolism has no known clinical impact and impacts testosterone, 5a-DHT and 5b-androstanediol. It is not known to impact epi-testosterone, 5a-androstanediol or ther androgens as they are metabolized by a different enzyme. Looking for a healthcare professional that will listen to your concerns and help you take action to feel better? Thrivelab makes hormone health assessment safe, affordable, and effective with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy solutions right from the comfort of your own home.

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs.