About all

High levels of testosterone symptoms. Unhealthy Testosterone Levels in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What are the signs of low testosterone in men. How does testosterone affect male health. What causes testosterone levels to decrease. Is testosterone replacement therapy effective for treating low T. Can testosterone therapy increase prostate cancer risk.

Содержание

Understanding Testosterone and Its Role in Men’s Health

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men, playing a vital role in various aspects of male health and well-being. As the primary male sex hormone, testosterone is responsible for muscle development, fat distribution, bone density, libido, and mood regulation.

The testicles are the main producers of testosterone in men, with production typically increasing during puberty. However, testosterone levels generally begin to decline gradually from around age 30. This natural decrease can lead to various symptoms and health concerns as men age.

Key Functions of Testosterone in the Male Body

  • Muscle mass and strength development
  • Bone density maintenance
  • Fat distribution regulation
  • Red blood cell production
  • Sperm production and fertility
  • Sex drive and erectile function
  • Mood and cognitive function

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, often referred to as “low T,” can manifest in various ways, affecting both physical and mental health. Identifying these symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of testosterone deficiency.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

  • Decreased libido and sexual function
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Mood changes, including depression and irritability
  • Reduced muscle mass and increased body fat
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia
  • Decreased bone density
  • Hair loss

Are these symptoms always indicative of low testosterone? While these signs can suggest testosterone deficiency, it’s important to note that they may also be caused by other health conditions. A proper medical evaluation, including hormone level testing, is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes of Low Testosterone in Men: Unraveling the Factors

Understanding the underlying causes of low testosterone is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Various factors can contribute to declining testosterone levels in men, ranging from natural aging processes to specific medical conditions.

Primary Causes of Low Testosterone

  1. Natural aging process
  2. Testicular injury or infection
  3. Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
  4. Hormonal disorders affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
  5. Chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, liver or kidney disease)
  6. Certain medications (e.g., opioids, glucocorticoids)
  7. Genetic conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome)

Can lifestyle factors influence testosterone levels? Indeed, certain lifestyle choices can impact testosterone production. Excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress have all been linked to lower testosterone levels in men.

The Impact of Low Testosterone on Men’s Health and Well-being

Low testosterone levels can have far-reaching effects on a man’s overall health and quality of life. Understanding these potential consequences is crucial for appreciating the importance of maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

Health Risks Associated with Low Testosterone

  • Osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
  • Cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia
  • Anemia
  • Decreased muscle mass and strength
  • Increased body fat, especially abdominal fat

How does low testosterone affect mental health? Low testosterone levels have been associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Some men may experience a loss of confidence, decreased motivation, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly impact their personal and professional lives.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone: Testing and Evaluation Methods

Accurate diagnosis of low testosterone is essential for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of methods to assess testosterone levels and determine if hormone replacement therapy is necessary.

Diagnostic Approaches for Low Testosterone

  1. Blood tests to measure total and free testosterone levels
  2. Physical examination to assess secondary sex characteristics
  3. Medical history review to identify potential causes and symptoms
  4. Additional hormone tests (e.g., luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone)
  5. Imaging studies (e.g., MRI) to evaluate the pituitary gland if necessary

When should men consider getting their testosterone levels checked? Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, particularly those over 40 or with chronic health conditions, should consult their healthcare provider about testosterone testing. Some men may benefit from at-home testosterone testing kits as an initial screening tool, though results should always be confirmed by a medical professional.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment option for men diagnosed with clinically low testosterone levels. While TRT can offer significant benefits for many men, it’s important to understand both the potential advantages and risks associated with this therapy.

Potential Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

  • Improved libido and sexual function
  • Increased muscle mass and strength
  • Reduced body fat
  • Enhanced mood and cognitive function
  • Improved bone density
  • Increased energy levels

Possible Risks and Side Effects of TRT

  • Acne or oily skin
  • Sleep apnea
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Increased red blood cell count
  • Testicular shrinkage
  • Reduced sperm production

Is testosterone replacement therapy suitable for all men with low testosterone? TRT is not recommended for all men with low testosterone. Factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of low testosterone are considered when determining if TRT is appropriate. Men with a history of prostate or breast cancer, severe sleep apnea, or certain other medical conditions may not be candidates for TRT.

Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone Levels in Men

While testosterone replacement therapy can be effective for some men, there are also natural methods to potentially increase testosterone levels. These lifestyle modifications can benefit overall health and may help optimize hormone production.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

  1. Regular exercise, particularly strength training and high-intensity interval training
  2. Maintaining a healthy body weight
  3. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients
  4. Getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
  5. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
  6. Limiting alcohol consumption
  7. Avoiding exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Can certain supplements help boost testosterone levels? Some supplements, such as vitamin D, zinc, and ashwagandha, have shown potential in supporting healthy testosterone levels. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some products may interact with medications or have unintended side effects.

The Relationship Between Testosterone and Prostate Health

The connection between testosterone levels and prostate health has been a topic of debate in the medical community. Historically, it was believed that high testosterone levels increased the risk of prostate cancer, leading to concerns about testosterone replacement therapy.

Current Understanding of Testosterone and Prostate Cancer Risk

Recent research has challenged the long-held belief that higher testosterone levels increase prostate cancer risk. Current evidence suggests that there is no clear link between testosterone replacement therapy and an increased risk of prostate cancer in men with no history of the disease.

However, testosterone therapy may accelerate the growth of existing prostate cancer. Therefore, men considering TRT should undergo thorough prostate cancer screening before starting treatment.

Monitoring Prostate Health During Testosterone Therapy

  • Regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests
  • Digital rectal examinations
  • Monitoring for urinary symptoms
  • Ongoing communication with healthcare providers about any changes or concerns

Does testosterone replacement therapy affect benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? While TRT doesn’t appear to cause BPH, it may worsen symptoms in men who already have an enlarged prostate. Healthcare providers carefully monitor prostate health in men undergoing testosterone therapy to address any issues promptly.

Unhealthy Testosterone Levels in Men: Causes and Symptoms

If the “black dog” of depression has reared its ugly head at some point in your life, then low testosterone levels may have been at play. But this is hardly the only possible consequence of low testosterone, which you can detect at home with the Everlywell Testosterone Test.

Shop At-Home Testosterone Test Today!

So keep reading to learn more about testosterone in men, including causes and symptoms of “low T.”

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary hormone behind muscle-building, fat-burning, libido, and even strongly affects mood and energy. 

The testicles are the main source of testosterone production in men while the ovaries are in charge of producing this sex hormone in women. However, in women, levels of testosterone are typically lower compared to men.

In general, men begin to experience an increase in testosterone production during puberty, with testosterone levels gradually declining starting at about age 30. When natural testosterone levels begin to lower, both men and women can experience a number of different symptoms.

Low testosterone levels in men can lead to symptoms that can affect many different aspects of health and well-being. Many men that experience a decrease in testosterone report sleep disturbances and insomnia, emotional changes such as depression, and issues related to their sexual performance/desires. Along with these symptoms, some men even face changes in fertility, decreased strength, and weight gain.

Athletic performance can also suffer due to loss of energy, as well as increased difficulty building muscle and burning fat. Having greater body fat and less muscle can then potentially increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions dependent on an optimal metabolism.


Signs of low testosterone in men can include:

  • Loss of motivation
  • Low libido
  • Fat gain
  • Sleep problems and/or fatigue

Low testosterone can cause unwanted health consequences in men.

The effects of low testosterone may lead to:

  • Osteoporosis (where your bones become very brittle)
  • Infertility
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Having greater fat and less muscle can then potentially increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions

Note that average levels of testosterone decrease as men age. Starting around age 30, testosterone decreases about 1% per year, on average. This decline is part of the normal aging process, so some older men develop abnormally low testosterone levels.

The Everlywell at-home Testosterone Test can help men identify if their hormone levels are lower than what’s typical for their age. If your testosterone levels are low, you can share your Everlywell results with your healthcare provider, and collaborate on a plan for a healthier lifestyle and/or medication that may help improve your testosterone levels.

Check Testosterone Levels At Home

Causes of low testosterone in men

What causes your testosterone to dip downwards? As it turns out, there are both direct and indirect causes of low T levels in both young and older men:

  • Testicular failure – resulting from genetic and metabolic disorders, as well as autoimmune diseases and testicular trauma – is a direct cause.
  • Indirect causes of low testosterone include excessive exercise, malnutrition, synthetic steroid abuse, and hormonal imbalances in the pituitary gland.

What is testosterone replacement therapy and is it an effective treatment?

Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, can help treat some low testosterone symptoms in men. Doctors often recommend TRT as a treatment option for male hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough testosterone (often due to testicular failure). Ultimately, this condition can lead to symptoms of low testosterone in males.

Testosterone therapy can improve muscle strength and erectile function in hypogonadal men, as well as boost energy and protect against bone loss.

Testosterone can be administered in several different ways, including skin patches, gels applied to the skin, injections, and implants.

Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate cancer: is there a link?

In past decades, many scientists believed that higher levels of total testosterone came with an increased risk of prostate cancer. (Total testosterone is a measure of the total amount of testosterone circulating in your bloodstream – including testosterone that’s bound to other compounds as well as testosterone that is unbound or “free.”)

It was thought that low testosterone production actually helped protect against prostate diseases, so restoring testosterone to normal levels – through testosterone therapy – could mean a greater chance of prostate cancer.

So could prostate cancer be a potential risk of TRT?

Not likely, says today’s researchers. While initial studies (first published in 1941) suggested a link between high T levels and prostate cancer, much more modern research – using much more rigorous methods – has convincingly shown that testosterone therapy comes with “little if any risk” of prostate cancer.

Men with high testosterone can experience a variety of troubling symptoms and possible health consequences. Excess testosterone can lead to more aggressive and irritable behavior, more acne and oily skin, even worse sleep apnea (if you already have it), and an increase in muscle mass. With too much testosterone pumping through your system, you may have a lower sperm count (due to decreased sperm production) and shrunken testicles.

High testosterone causes

Excess testosterone in men can result from testicular or adrenal tumors. Even if these tumors are benign – that is, they aren’t malignant or cancerous – they can still boost testosterone levels to unhealthy levels, as can steroid use and abuse.

And if you don’t treat your high testosterone levels? Elevated testosterone will raise your “bad” cholesterol levels, and can thus lead to heart health issues – potentially resulting in a heart attack, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. Risk of sleep apnea and infertility is also heightened if you have high testosterone levels.

Some men actually have a genetic predisposition for developing high levels of testosterone. Studies show that these individuals that fall within this category are at a much higher risk for developing blood clots, heart disease, and a variety of other cardiovascular issues. Because of the severity of this issue, it is essential that men with high testosterone are tested and are aware of their potential risks.

Conclusion

Because high and low male testosterone levels are both disruptive to your health, it’s critical that your male sex hormones are within a healthy range. But how can you check your testosterone to see if you have a deficiency or excess? You can easily measure your testosterone with the Everlywell Testosterone Test or the Men’s Health Test, and discuss any unhealthy levels with your healthcare provider.


Buy At-Home Testosterone Test

Learn more about testosterone

Why Weight Loss Can Boost Your Testosterone Levels

Unhealthy Testosterone Levels In Women: Causes and Symptoms

The Difference Between Free T And Total T

High testosterone in men: Signs and symptoms

High testosterone levels can cause various symptoms including, body hair growth, mood disturbances, and acne. They can result from some medical conditions and the use of medications or anabolic steroids.

High testosterone levels can cause serious problems in males, such as an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In males, testosterone functions include the regulation of libido, bone and muscle mass, and the production of sperm. Females also have some testosterone, but less. In females, testosterone assists in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass.

Testosterone is essential for health, but too much may increase the risk of health problems, such as an enlarged prostate gland.

In this article, we discuss the signs of high testosterone, also called hyperandrogenism, in males.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

Testosterone is a hormone. It is produced in the testes in people assigned male sex at birth and in the ovaries in people assigned female sex at birth. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor to testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands.

People can also take testosterone synthetically as medication. The effects of high testosterone levels will usually only be apparent with synthetic sources.

A 2017 study involving more than 9,000 men living in Europe and the United States found that the total testosterone range for males aged 19–39 years is 264–916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Levels above this are considered high.

The American Urological Association considers 450—600 ng/dl to be a normal range.

High levels of synthetic testosterone may lead to:

  • hepatic adenoma, a tumor on the liver
  • cholestatic jaundice
  • BPH

The authors of a 2021 study noted that males with high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a substance that works with testosterone — may have a higher chance of acne and hair loss. However, they did not link this effect directly to high testosterone levels.

Testosterone may also play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Experts note that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but it can help fuel it once it appears. Reducing testosterone levels may help lower the risk of it returning or progressing. There may be a link with testosterone replacement therapy and the development of prostate cancer.

Men with very high testosterone levels may experience:

  • acne
  • aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
  • excessive body hair
  • headaches
  • heart or liver problems
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high sex drive (libido)
  • increased appetite
  • infertility
  • insomnia
  • low sperm count
  • mood swings
  • prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
  • swelling of the legs and feet
  • unexplained weight gain

High testosterone levels can be a sign of an underlying health condition that increases levels of circulating testosterone on the body.

Factors that can raise testosterone levels include:

  • acromegaly or Cushing syndrome, which affect the pituitary gland
  • benign or cancerous adrenal tumors
  • congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • the use of certain medications, such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
  • using anabolic steroids
  • testosterone supplementation

Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance and build muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy can treat low testosterone levels.

What causes high testosterone in females, and what are the symptoms?

Doctors typically use the following procedures to diagnose high testosterone in males:

A physical examination

A doctor may check for signs and symptoms of high testosterone, including acne and increased muscle mass. They will also ask about a person’s libido and mood.

Blood tests

A doctor may order blood tests to check the person’s testosterone hormone levels. They may also check their glucose and cholesterol, as testosterone levels can affect them.

As testosterone secretion is typically highest in the early morning hours, the doctor will often draw blood for the tests in the morning.

The type of treatment for high testosterone will depend on the underlying cause of the imbalance.

Stopping steroid or medication use

Where high testosterone levels result from anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation, discontinuing these substances will usually resolve the issue.

In one study, 88.4% of the male participants taking testosterone supplements did not produce sperm. However, 6 months after stopping the use of the supplements, 65% of these individuals began to produce sperm again.

Treatment for tumors

In rare cases, a tumor can produce sex hormones, which can increase the levels of testosterone. If a tumor is contributing to high testosterone levels, the person may need surgery.

If the tumor is cancerous, the person may need other treatments, including:

  • surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation therapy

Medication

Medications can help lower high testosterone levels for people with underlying conditions.

They include:

  • steroid synthesis inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), to treat Cushing disease
  • alpha reductase inhibitors, for instance finasteride (Proscar), to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, such as degarelix (Firmagon) to reduce testosterone levels in people receiving treatment for prostate cancer

Anyone who experiences symptoms while using testosterone replacement therapy should speak with a doctor. People who are using testosterone replacement therapy will usually have regular appointments, as the doctor will need to monitor their progress.

Individuals who believe they may have high testosterone levels should talk with a doctor. They may need treatment to address an underlying health issue or reduce the risk of complications such as liver problems and osteoporosis.

Here are some questions people often ask about high testosterone in males.

What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too high?

High testosterone levels are known as hyperandrogenism. In adults, there are few noticeable signs. But, there may be a risk of complications such as a liver tumor, jaundice, and an enlarged prostate gland.

What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too low?

Low testosterone levels are known as hypogonadism. An adult male with low testosterone levels may have:

  • small testes
  • enlarged breasts, known as gynecomastia
  • difficulty gaining muscle mass
  • low sperm count
  • low energy
  • low libido
  • osteoporosis
  • hot flashes, in severe cases
  • anemia

As men get older, testosterone levels tend to fall, which may lead to these symptoms.

How can exercise help build muscle mass?

What is a normal testosterone level in an adult male?

The American Urological Association considers a normal range to be 450—600 ng/dL. If levels fall below 300 ng/dl, a doctor may diagnose a deficiency and prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.

Levels vary by age groups and can fluctuate throughout the day. The most accurate readings will be in the early morning.

Is there such a thing as the male menopause?

High testosterone in males can cause a variety of symptoms, including excessive facial and body hair, aggression, and infertility.

In males, high testosterone is most frequently due to anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation.

People who show symptoms associated with high testosterone should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated high testosterone levels can raise the risk of infertility, cancer, and other problems.

Signs of high testosterone levels in men and its impact on sexual life

Myth 1. Aggressive means a real man with high testosterone levels.

How is it really? A high testosterone person can be gentle and indecisive. And a person with low testosterone levels is irritable and grumpy.

Myth 2 . If a man is not goal-oriented, not stress-resistant and not ambitious, low testosterone levels are to blame.

The culprits may be a disturbed metabolism of dopamine, serotonin, neurotic disorders – that is, problems in the head that have nothing to do with gender.

Myth 3. Only muscular men have high testosterone levels.

The absence of a pronounced musculature in a man does not indicate a lack of testosterone, but that he does not play sports at all.

Myth 4. A man with a high level of testosterone is always excited and has sexual desire.

Sex in the life of a man who is passionate about achieving his goal, for example, in the field of business, can go by the wayside for a long time. And because of chronic stress, depressive conditions, the exciting effect of testosterone can be completely reduced to nothing.

Myth 5. Raise your testosterone levels and dominate!

Here’s what happens to the body when testosterone levels are higher than normal:

  • the man becomes nervous,
  • his mood fluctuates between euphoria and depression,
  • sleep is disturbed,
  • risk appetite arises,
  • increased craving for alcohol and drugs,
  • against the background of hypertrophied sexual desire, promiscuity may begin,
  • blackheads and pimples appear,
  • hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases may develop,
  • may disrupt or even stop the formation of spermatozoa.

And here are the possible causes of increased testosterone levels:

  • tumors in the pituitary gland, in the genital organs,
  • genetic problems,
  • liver diseases,
  • testosterone injections to increase muscle mass.

Myth 6. Only men have testosterone.

A woman’s body also produces testosterone. For the fairer sex, it is necessary for the emergence of sexual desire, keeping the body in shape.

Myth 7. Men do not have “critical days”.

Recent studies show that men also experience PMS. During certain periods of the male hormonal cycle, testosterone levels drop, due to which a man may feel mood swings, causeless apathy, may be irritable and even whiny.

Myth 8. A man does not have menopause.

50 years is a turning point in a man’s life. By this age, testosterone levels are reduced by 20%, and in some men by 30%. Serious restructuring begins in the body, which lasts about 2-4 years: a man may be thrown into a fever, he may experience weakness; dizziness; the feeling that “disturbs”; spontaneous erection disappears in the morning; interest in sex decreases up to its complete disappearance; the skin becomes flabby, wrinkles appear; hair fall out; belly grows.

After 2-4 years of menopause, the body of a man gets used to a lower level of testosterone, resigned to the onset of old age.

If there is no desire to know all the “charms” of male menopause and, conversely, there is a desire to prolong youth, a man should seek help from a urologist-andrologist. He will prescribe hormone replacement therapy. You should also seek help from an andrologist if you suspect problems with testosterone at an earlier age. The doctor will identify the cause of this imbalance and correctly select the treatment.

Egor Yuryevich Kolyshnitsyn, a urologist-andrologist, conducts an appointment at the Naedine Clinic. You can make an appointment with him by phone in Kirov: (8332) 32-7777
or through the form on the website

Increased testosterone in women – Juno

Increased testosterone in women – Juno

home

Articles

Increased testosterone in women

Testosterone is produced in both sexes in the adrenal cortex. In women, it is also produced by the ovaries and other body tissues, such as skin or adipose tissue. Most of the testosterone produced in women is converted to estradiol. From the article you will learn why it is so important and how to increase it.

Increased testosterone in women: the content of the article

  • Testosterone: why it is so important and what it affects
  • Norm of testosterone in women
  • Symptoms of high testosterone in women
  • Causes of high testosterone levels in women
  • Testosterone Boost Test
  • Testosterone-lowering hormones

Testosterone: why it is so important and what it affects

Testosterone is one of the key hormones in the female body. Suffice it to say that without testosterone, there would be no estradiol, the main female sex hormone. Testosterone is produced in both sexes in the adrenal cortex. In women, it is also produced by the ovaries and other body tissues, such as skin or adipose tissue. Most of the testosterone produced in women is converted to estradiol.

Testosterone deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and lack of muscle, low sex drive and lack of orgasm, depression and chronic pain.

The shift in the balance of male (androgens) and female (estrogens) sex hormones in the direction of increasing testosterone causes a woman to have a condition called hyperandrogenism. Statistics show that this occurs in 5-20% of women. Hyperandrogenism has many undesirable manifestations, ranging from skin imperfections to impaired fertility.

Norm of testosterone in women

The female body needs significantly less testosterone than the male body.

  • The normal level in women ranges from 0.52-1.72 nmol/l, while in men it is 8.9-42.0 nmol/l.
  • During pregnancy, testosterone levels can rise 3-4 times.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women

  • Acne
  • Excess hair on face, chest, back
  • Thinning and loss of hair on the head in the forehead and crown
  • Irregular periods
  • Mood swings
  • Enlarged clitoris
  • Male fat redistribution
  • Breast reduction
  • Loss of sexual desire
  • Low voice

High testosterone levels in women can also lead to obesity and infertility.

Causes of high testosterone levels in women

One of the main causes of high testosterone levels in women is polycystic ovary syndrome. The ovaries cease to function normally, which, among other things, leads to a violation of the processing of testosterone into estradiol and, accordingly, an increase in its level in the body. Polycystic ovary syndrome is accompanied by rare menstruation, increased body hair growth, increased oily skin, and acne. Rarer causes of increased testosterone levels in women are congenital dysfunction or tumors of the adrenal cortex, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, and insulin resistance.

Testosterone test

Testosterone is in the blood in two forms – free and associated with special carrier proteins, together they make up total testosterone. Scientists believe that protein-bound testosterone has no biological activity and works as a hormone depot. Therefore, in order to understand whether testosterone is elevated, you need to determine its free part.

Recently, it has become possible to determine testosterone in saliva – this is more convenient than donating blood. Studies show that the level of testosterone in saliva directly corresponds to the level of free testosterone in the blood plasma.

The common belief that testosterone in women depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle is erroneous – its level changes slightly, which allows you to take the test on any day.

Testosterone-lowering hormones

1. Hormones that reduce the production of testosterone in the ovaries:

  • combined oral contraceptives (COCs) – estrogens in combination with progestins;
  • luteinizing hormone (LH) agonists.

2. Hormones that reduce the production of testosterone in the adrenal glands:

  • glucocorticoid hormones.

3. Hormones and other substances that block the action of testosterone:

  • cyproterone acetate;
  • spironolactone;
  • flutamide;
  • finasteride.

Severe symptoms of increased testosterone require professional medical and sometimes surgical treatment. However, it must be understood that testosterone is normal for a woman’s body, therefore, it is not required to reduce it in the absence of diseases.0009

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the first qualification category –
Panasenko Irina Gennadievna

Other articles

06/01/2023

Auxiliary hatching: methods and indications

Assisted hatching during pregnancy improves the accuracy of assessing the health of the fetus and mother, as well as identifying the risks of various complications during pregnancy.
Do not miss the opportunity to improve the health control of the expectant mother and her baby! Read our article today and protect the health of your family!

05/15/2023

Uterine fibroids (fibromyoma): causes, symptoms and diagnosis

In this article, we will look at all aspects of uterine fibroids, from definition and symptoms to possible causes and methods of diagnosis.