Analysis of total testosterone in women is normal. Functions, norms and causes of increased free testosterone in women. Symptoms of violations of the norm

Testosterone is a truly male hormone, an androgen, which is responsible for masculinity, strength, the formation of primary sexual characteristics (meaning the genitals). Due to the influence of testosterone on the male body, its reproductive function is performed. Of course, a small amount of testosterone can also be found in the female body. If it is above a certain norm, then this pathology. Also in the male body - a reduced level of the hormone testosterone is considered a symptom of the disease and hormonal disorders.

Androgens - what are they?

There are several types of male hormones, more precisely, they all belong 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 take an analysis in the laboratory for the level in the body, then it is necessary to clarify what kind of testosterone you mean or what kind your doctor will refer 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 disturbed.

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 decisive in a man's ability to conceive.

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

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

Sleep disturbance;
Depressive state;
Dryness of the skin;
Excess weight, concentrated in the abdomen and thighs;
Sexual dysfunction, a man's reproductive function is impaired.

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

Free testosterone - the norm is 4.5 - 42 pg / ml.

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

Why is testosterone low?

The level of the male hormone may decrease due to:

Depression, stress, neuro-emotional state and unbalanced psychological state (trauma);
Abuse of alcohol, caffeine;
Improper nutrition (there are a large number of fatty, fried, spicy, smoked foods, fast food, soda in the diet);
Long-term treatment with medications that have a side effect - a decrease in testosterone (carefully read the instructions for all medications that you take or are going to take!);
Hypodynamia (office work most often involves 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...

An increased level of testosterone does not at all indicate masculinity or benefits for the male body. On the contrary, everything that exceeds the norm harms the body. So, an increased level of testosterone can cause testicular atrophy in a man 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, there is an acne rash.

Woman and testosterone

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

In the ovaries, the follicles fully mature, from which the egg is then released, ready for fertilization (that is, the reproductive function is performed);
A woman always has a normal mood - she is not aggressive (an increased level of testosterone is responsible for aggression);
The sebaceous glands work correctly on the body, there is no acne, pimples and boils on the face;
The skeleton is developed according to the female type - wide hips, narrow waist, lush chest.

The average testosterone level in women is 0.26 to 1.30 ng/ml.

The norm of testosterone in girls under 20 years old - from 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 60 years of age and older from 0.1 to 1.8 ng/ml.

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

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

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

body hair is arranged according to the male type - mustache, beard, abdomen, back, crotch;
rough voice;
acne on the face, comedones;
reproductive dysfunction - a woman cannot become pregnant;
the hair on the head falls out;
the genitals are pathologically enlarged (meaning the clitoris);
broken or absent menstrual cycle;
if pregnancy occurs, then it most often breaks down (miscarriage occurs).

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

Where to apply?

You can take testosterone on your own, without a doctor's referral, in any laboratory. For this, blood is taken from a vein. Preparation for the analysis is: in the absence of sexual contact 3 days before the analysis; giving up alcohol, smoking, eating 12 hours before the analysis. Donate blood in the morning, on an empty stomach.

The hormone testosterone is present not only in men, but also in women.

The concentration of an important substance in the fair sex is much lower.

Excess and lack of male sex hormone adversely affects the functioning of the female body.

What is free testosterone? The norm in women during pregnancy, during menopause, the causes of shortage / excess of the male sex hormone. What drugs are prescribed to correct testosterone levels? What are the signs of a hormonal imbalance? Answers in the article.

Many women ask the endocrinologist questions: “Why does the fair sex need a male hormone? Perhaps this substance harms the body, provokes the development of dangerous pathologies, and leads to hormonal disruptions?

Doctors explain: “The lack of testosterone adversely affects the development of the female body. The male hormone has a positive effect on many processes, participates in the synthesis of estradiol, and regulates the rhythm of menstruation.

Testosterone performs other important functions in the female body:

participates in the synthesis of proteins;
regulates the growth and development of the mammary glands;
strengthens muscles, participates in the formation of the skeleton;
responsible for sexual desire in women;
affects the timely maturation of the follicle in the egg;
supports the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Testosterone is a prohormone, a substance with a fairly low chemical activity. On its basis, the production of hormones - estradiol and dihydrotestosterone.

Free testosterone index: normal

The content of the male sex hormone in women is 7–12 times lower than in men.

Testosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex and ovaries.

The concentration of an important substance involved in many life processes is measured in nanomoles per liter.

The optimal indicators are the concentration of free testosterone (in nanomoles per liter).

Men
5.76 to 8.14	0.31 to 3.78

During pregnancy, the indicators rise sharply (on average, from the 13th week). The process does not happen by chance: an excess amount of male hormone inhibits the release of the egg.

If the level of testosterone for various reasons increases markedly in a non-pregnant woman, then the frequency of menstruation is disturbed or they completely stop until the hormonal background is restored.

At different periods of the menstrual cycle, the rate of free testosterone in women is different: the follicular phase - from 0.45 to 3.75, the period of ovulation - from 0.46 to 2.48, the luteal phase - fluctuations from 0.20 to 1.73 pg / ml.

Age

The level of testosterone in the female body changes in different periods of life. Deviation from the norm worsens the hormonal background, provokes obesity or excessive thinness, reduces muscle mass, leads to bone fragility, and causes problems with reproductive function.

No. p / p	Age	Testosterone level (measurement in nmol/l)
1	Up to 12 months	0 to 2.31
2	From 1 year to 6 years	0 to 1.22
3	6 to 11 years old	0.49 to 1.82
4	11 to 15 years old	0.84 to 4.46
5	15 to 18 years old	1.36 to 4.73
6	Women of reproductive age	From 0.31 nmol/l to 3.78
7	During pregnancy	Increase in indicators by 3-4 times compared to point 6
8	Menopause	0.42 to 4.51
9	Against the background of the use of oral contraceptives	0.45 to 2.88

Indicator

In the course of research, doctors found out: the maximum concentration of an important substance was noted in the morning, by the evening the indicators decrease.

Significant fluctuations in hormone levels in women negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism.

To clarify the level of testosterone, a blood test is prescribed. The optimal period is from 8 to 10 days of the cycle.

Preparation rules:

smoking women a few hours before the analysis should give up cigarettes;
a day before blood donation, it is undesirable to be nervous, play sports;
for 24 hours before the study, you can not take hormonal drugs, eat fatty, spicy foods;
It is important to donate blood on an empty stomach, you should not drink liquids.

Causes of Low Testosterone

Provoking factors:

passion for diets;
vitamin deficiency;
excessive alcohol consumption, smoking;
overweight;
malfunctions of the sex glands;
Down syndrome;
severe form of renal failure;
menopause period;
drastic weight loss.

A decrease in the levels of the male sex hormone provokes diseases and negative conditions:

depression;
damage to the heart, blood vessels;
excessive sweating;
increased dryness of the skin;
chronic fatigue;
irritability;
a decrease in density, a violation of the structure of bone tissue - osteoporosis develops;
accumulation of fat on the arms, thighs, abdomen;
decreased libido;
the development of hormone-dependent tumors;
decreased concentration of attention, poor memorization of information;
malignant neoplasms in the mammary glands;
discomfort, dryness of the vagina during intercourse;
diabetes;
weakness, low physical activity;
uterine fibroids;
endometriosis.

Causes of high testosterone

Excess male hormone appears against the background of the following factors:

genetic predisposition;
ovulation period;
improper, irregular nutrition;
excessive activity of the adrenal cortex;
the use of hormonal drugs for a long period;
third trimester of pregnancy;
tumors in the ovaries.

Main features:

increased physical activity;
irregular menstrual cycle;
a sharp increase in sexual desire;
face and body covered with blackheads;
the size of the clitoris increases;
coarsening of the voice;
alternation of periods of causeless aggression and apathy;
reduction of body fat;
excessive hair growth on the face (above the upper lip) and body (in the armpits, on the arms, legs);
discomfort in the ovaries and lumbar region;
sleep problems, irritability;
infertility against the background of the absence of ovulation;
active muscle building;
enlargement of individual parts of the skeleton according to the male type (extended shoulders).

How to normalize testosterone levels

Visits to the endocrinologist, gynecologist, examination, testing, identification of factors that provoke hormonal disruptions. Medical or surgical treatment in the presence of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, tumors, uterine fibroids. It is important to eliminate anomalies of the organs of the reproductive system.
Treatment of chronic diseases, against which immunity decreases, pathological processes develop in various organs. Particular attention is paid to endocrine pathologies that adversely affect the functioning of the genitourinary system in women.
Diet correction. A balanced diet is the basis of therapy. Only with a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, regular intake of biologically active substances from food can health be restored. More fresh vegetables, fruit and berry juices, low-fat dairy products. Useful poultry, lean fish, seafood, vegetable oils, nuts, honey, leafy greens.
To reduce testosterone levels, a decoction of "female" herbs is prescribed: primrose, cimicifuga, angelica. Medicinal plants are used only on the recommendation of an endocrinologist and gynecologist.
It is possible to bring the indicators back to normal with an increase in the concentration of the male sex hormone with the help of drugs: Dexamethasone, Digostin, Diane-35, Cyproterone. If the cause of the failure is the malfunctioning of the ovaries, and not the adrenal glands, then contraceptives should not be used. It is necessary to treat diseases, stop the inflammatory process, remove tumors. In each case, the doctor develops a treatment regimen individually.

If signs appear that indicate problems with the hormonal background, you should not self-medicate, take herbal decoctions or oral contraceptives uncontrollably.

Only according to the results of the tests, after clarifying the level of free testosterone, examination by an endocrinologist and gynecologist, therapy can be started under the guidance of experienced doctors. It is important to give up bad habits, be sure to reconsider your attitude to life, adjust your diet.

The norm of testosterone in the blood. Result interpretation (table)

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

with infertility, decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction,
at the onset of andropause,
for the diagnosis of hypogonadism,
with the development of osteoporosis, especially in old age,
with active acne.

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

infertility,
amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities,
hirsutism or overly pronounced masculinity, including male pattern baldness and a too deep voice,
pronounced acne.

Also, a blood test for testosterone is done for 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.

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

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

The norm 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 can indicate the following diseases:

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

In addition, elevated testosterone itself is a known problem and can lead to the following pathologies:

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

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 include:

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

Certain medications can lead to elevated testosterone levels, such as 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 is observed in women during pregnancy. But this is not a pathology and should not worry the expectant mother - after childbirth, the hormone level quickly returns to normal.

If testosterone is low, what does it mean?

Low testosterone in men is 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.

Decreased 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 a risk of developing osteoporosis.

As for women, their lowering of testosterone levels is not of clinical interest and is not used for diagnosis.

The hormonal background in the human body should ideally 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) is noted in women, she may not worry about her reproductive health, since this hormone is considered the most important.

However, it is not enough to know the name of the hormone, it is also necessary to understand 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 includes its understanding as an active substance. Total and free testosterone in women differs in that the second complex lacks sex hormones and proteins, including albumin and hemoglobin.

Let us examine in more detail, free testosterone in women - what it is. Experts characterize 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:

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

What is free testosterone in women is relatively clear, it is also worth noting that with fluctuations in its indicators, girls can worsen or improve their mood. 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.

Level detection

With what is between the hormone testosterone total and free, the difference in women is relatively clear. It should also be understood that in order 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 specialist. The norm of the index of free testosterone 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 of reproductive age, do not take oral contraceptives, and do not bear a child, and also take an analysis on the 7-10th day of the cycle. In extremely rare cases, enzyme immunoassay, and blood sampling for its implementation, is prescribed for 4-5 days 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, it is forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol, only pure water is allowed. Approximately during the day it is necessary to refrain from physical activity and stress.

Which testosterone to take (total or free) for a woman, the leading specialist will tell you after collecting an anamnesis and a preliminary examination of the patient.

Norms of testosterone

Sometimes, depending on the state of health, testosterone in women is increased or decreased. For girls of infancy who have not yet turned one year old, the rate is from 0 to 2.31, in the period from one year to six years - 0-1.22, at the age of 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 it should normally be from 0.31 to 3.78 if the patient is of reproductive age. Free testosterone (the norm for women on the 3rd day of the cycle) ranges from 0.45 to 3.17. The free testosterone index is lowered in women who take oral contraceptives. For such girls, values from 0.45 to 2.88 will be the norm.

Lowering the rate

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

The period of menopause;
Diagnosed with Down syndrome;
Rapid weight loss;
endometriosis;
Cancer of the mammary glands;
Diabetes;
Osteoporosis;
Pathologies 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 build muscle mass, and the body cannot burn fat. It is possible that deviations in the work of the gonads will develop, or kidney failure will develop. Therefore, it is always important to know if free testosterone in women is high, low or normal.

Often, a lack of this hormone is evidenced by fatigue, general poor health, lack of mood and sexual desire, depression, excessive sweating and oily hair.

Increasing the rate

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

To provoke the development of this violation can:

The work of the adrenal glands in enhanced mode;
The presence of a genetic predisposition;
Treatment by taking hormonal drugs;
The presence of tumor formations on the ovaries;
Malnutrition;
The period of menstrual bleeding;
Any trimester of childbearing.

It is important to note that bioavailable testosterone is elevated in women who are about to become mothers. About 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 testosterone levels, there will be disruptions in the menstrual cycle, infertility, strong sexual desire and craving for performance may develop. Physical loads.

How to downgrade

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

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

It is necessary to give preference to protein products, in particular, fish, chicken meat will be useful;
You should also introduce dairy products into your diet, including: cottage cheese, full-fat milk and cream;
It is better not to eat according to the vegetarian system;
Nutrition should be fractional, it is better not to skip meals, it is better to make them 5-6, but in small portions;
Foods that contain free testosterone should be excluded from the diet: eggs, legumes, garlic, hazelnuts, almonds;
You need to add to your menu healthy sweet foods 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 excess testosterone is just as dangerous as its decrease.

Testosterone level (video)

Everyone knows that the hormonal background of a woman is more unstable than that of men: from monthly cycles to pregnancy. Nature has decreed that the concentration of hormones of the fairer sex should change at regular intervals: for example, estrogen and progesterone, which are primarily associated with reproductive function. If their number does not change, this indicates serious pathologies in the body.

Some hormones can be divided into male and female, but this does not mean that female hormones are found only in the blood of women, and male only in the blood of men. For example, testosterone is available in both sexes, only in different concentrations.

If a woman has a problem with testosterone, then this can lead to disastrous results, because, despite the fact that this is a male hormone, it is important for the maintenance of the body. So, let's further consider what is the norm of testosterone in women, as well as what happens to the body if testosterone is lowered or increased, and what it can threaten.

What is the hormone testosterone responsible for in women?

In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries under the influence of pituitary hormones. It is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands.

In the female body, this male hormone is responsible for the development of muscle mass, as well as the amount of body fat. Thus, testosterone helps a woman maintain the basic protective functions of the body, because fat is a kind of reserve of strength that is stored in case of a stressful situation, and muscles contribute to activity. Another sphere of influence of testosterone in a woman's body is libido. With its normal concentration, a woman is able to experience sexual desires, with an increase -, and with a decrease - asexuality.

Female norm of testosterone

Scientists have found that the rate of testosterone concentration depends on the woman's age - for example, after puberty it rises, after menopause it decreases, and during pregnancy, the testosterone rate in pregnant women can increase 4 times.

The norm of total and free testosterone in women

To establish the rate of testosterone hormone in women, it is necessary to clarify that doctors can examine two indicators:

free testosterone;
total testosterone.

Free testosterone is an indicator that indicates the concentration of a hormone in the body that is not bound to proteins for transportation.

Total testosterone makes it clear how much the total level of testosterone - both protein-bound and free.

The norm of total testosterone for women is 0.26 - 1.30 ng / ml

The rate of free testosterone for women is estimated depending on age:

up to 20 years - 0.13 - 3.09 pg / ml;
from 20 to 39 years - 0.13 - 3.09 pg / ml;
from 40 to 59 years - 0.13 - 2.6 pg / ml;
from 60 and older - 0.13 - 1.8 pg / ml.

When evaluating the norm, it should be borne in mind that different laboratories may have slightly different standards.

If women have testosterone below normal

A low level of this male hormone makes itself felt:

muscle weakness;
thin voice;
lack of sexual desire;
hair loss all over the body;
skin atrophy;
or even obese.

If women have testosterone above normal

A high level of testosterone sometimes becomes an even greater problem for a woman than its low level, because in this case she becomes masculine.