Testosterone & Estrogen in Women: High vs. Low vs. Normal Levels

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It may surprise you to know that men don’t have a monopoly on testosterone. Night sweats

  • Vaginal dryness or hair than the average woman. Some women with high testosterone levels develop frontal balding. Other possible effects include acne, an enlarged clitoris, increased muscle mass, and deepening of voice.

    High levels of testosterone can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine condition that is sometimes seen in women of childbearing age who have difficulty getting pregnant. Women with PCOS have symptoms similar to those produced by high testosterone levels. They include:

    • Obesity
    • An apple-shaped body
    • Excessive or thinning hair
    • Acne
    • Menstrual irregularity
  • PCOS is associated with:

    As women with PCOS age, the presence of these risk factors increases their risk for heart disease.

    At menopause, women experience a decline in testosterone. That decline may be correlated to a reduced libido. Some findings indicate that testosterone replacement therapy may benefit sexual function in certain perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Testosterone replacement is unadvised in women with breast or uterine cancer. It also may increase the chances of cardiovascular disease or disease. So, experts are cautious about recommendations.

     

    How do I know if my hormone levels are too high or too low?

    Your doctor can do a physical examination and assess your health situation and symptoms to determine if further laboratory tests are needed to check hormone levels. Those tests may be important if you have a health condition such as PCOS or have stopped menstruating because of excessive athletic training or anorexia nervosa. If the tests show abnormal levels of hormones, your doctor can prescribe effective treatment.