Society for Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation of Androgen Excess in Women
Understanding The Effects Of High Testosterone Levels In Women
It is challenging to study the effects of testosterone on human T cell function in vivo. To do so, we prospectively collected blood from healthy trans men receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with testosterone (Figure 2A). Successful treatment with testosterone was confirmed by measuring significantly increased serum testosterone levels 3 months (3M) and 6M after the start of GAHT compared with baseline levels (BL) (Figure 2B).
More importantly, there was no substantial difference in the efficacy of the two hormones at equivalent doses in reducing LD content. The absence of clear dose-dependent effects on triglyceride and LD levels might be attributed to the inherent differences between in vivo and in vitro experimental conditions [43]. Accordingly, the upcoming animal studies will explore dose-dependent effects of sex hormones on triglyceride and LD content in a more comprehensive manner.
Clinical chemistry was analyzed at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Quantitative measurement of serum hormone levels was performed using MassChrom Steroids LC-MS/MS Assays (Chromsystems) by UPLC-ESI-MS (LCMS-8060, Shimadzu). The average age of respondents was 29.85 years, regarded as the productive age group. As far as the average of weight of study participants was concerned, the average was 57.95 kg. Average height was recorded at 159.95, followed by an average BMI of 22.65, which was within the normal BMI range (Fig. 3). This integrated exercise plan is a relatively new concept in the literature, with limited direct evidence supporting its effectiveness.
These results are consistent with previous studies56, which reported that testosterone levels peak in the early recovery period following exhaustive endurance exercise but significantly decrease after 24 h. Similarly, Lane et al.14 observed acute testosterone elevations in response to physical activity in women, suggesting that this transient increase may be linked to physiological adaptations enhancing performance and recovery. Additionally, Baydil57 reported that exhausting exercise affects the total testosterone profile in females, further supporting the observed fluctuations in our study. While many scientific studies and huge amounts of data show the safety of supplemental testosterone in postmenopausal women, only about 50% of women who take it experience a significant increase in sex drive. That’s because while testosterone plays a big role in pumping up sexual desire, it is far from the only thing that drives libido, which means that if yours is lacking, low testosterone may not be your issue. Desire for sexual activity also depends on neurotransmitters, blood flow to the genitals, and the ability to experience sexual pleasure.
After menopause, women may experience low testosterone levels, which can lead to a decrease in sex drive, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth on their face, chest, or back. Treatment usually involves hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication to regulate insulin levels. In a female body, testosterone (and estrogen) helps maintain bone and muscle mass, influences libido, and plays a role in mood regulation. However, when levels of testosterone become too high in women, it can lead to various physical, mental, and emotional changes. In most cases, high testosterone levels in women are usually due to an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
When the body is under stress, cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is released. High levels of cortisol can interfere with the balance of other hormones in the body, including testosterone. Once you diagnose the underlying cause of your high testosterone levels, you can start on the path to relief. A treatment plan may include medication as well as natural ways to lower testosterone through dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments. For some women, losing weight—especially by reducing caloric intake—can testosterone cause vertigo help bring testosterone down and also improve symptoms like unwanted hair growth.
In contrast, premenopausal women typically exhibit total testosterone levels ranging from 15 to 46 ng/dL49. These differences highlight the need to interpret testosterone fluctuations in women within the context of their naturally lower baseline levels. So, the integrated exercise regimen was designed that does not require a gym setup or expensive equipment, yet delivers the benefits of a structured workout. Each exercise in the regimen was carefully selected for its ability to engage multiple muscle groups while remaining accessible and cost-effective. The regimen focuses on key aspects of functional fitness, including strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination—essential components for enhancing overall muscular strength in women.
Additionally, high testosterone levels can also cause fertility problems by disrupting the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. High testosterone levels in women can have significant implications for their overall health and well-being. Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women, but excessive levels in females can lead to various physical and emotional changes. The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis, which isn’t straightforward and is part of why up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed. PCOS isn’t diagnosed with a single test, it requires a detailed physical exam, hormone tests, a review of your medical history, and possibly an ultrasound. Your treatment plan should be personalized to your unique symptoms and needs, but may include hormone therapy, like birth control or anti-androgen medicine, and medications that improve insulin sensitivity.
It is advisable to get tested by a healthcare professional for accurate measurement and interpretation. Among the various high testosterone causes, Cushing Syndrome is another likely candidate. It is a disorder that affects the adrenal glands, resulting in the overproduction of cortisol and androgens. The symptoms include weight gain around the face, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, and skin that bruises easily. Along with the female hormone estrogen, testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining good bone and tissue health in women.
