Testosterone and It’s Effect on Women’s Health

Introduction:

Testosterone is an androgen hormone, and it is secreted in small amounts in women by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It is needed, and along with other hormones, it helps in the smooth functioning of activities like mood, energy levels, and sexual drive. Testosterone is found in lower amounts in women, whereas its levels are high in men.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that has a role in reproduction, growth, and maintaining health. Hormones are chemical substances secreted by the glands in the body, and these play a role in many functions of the body.

Among males, it is produced by the testes, and in women, from the ovaries, fat cells, skin cells, and adrenal glands. Women produce 1/10 to 1/20th of testosterone when compared to what men produce.

Testosterone gets converted into female sex hormones in women’s bodies. During puberty, there may be increased levels of testosterone and estrogen, which may last through young adulthood. With the increase in age, its levels may decrease in both men and women.

Normal levels of testosterone among men - 264 to 916 ng/dL.

Normal levels of testosterone among women - 15 to 46 ng/dL.

Maintaining normal testosterone levels is important for building muscle mass and improving sexual health. When there is an imbalance of testosterone, it may lead to different health issues.

When there are decreased levels of testosterone, it may cause

• Tiredness.

• There may be a risk of bone loss.

• Osteoporosis.

• Fracture of bones.

• Weakness in muscles.

• Decreased sexual desire or libido.

Decreased levels may be seen with increasing age and among those women whose ovaries are removed.

When there are increased levels of testosterone, it may cause

• Growth of hair on the face.

• Acne may develop.

• Abnormal periods.

• Loss of hair.

• Dark skin patches called acanthosis nigricans.

• Aggression may be seen.

Conditions associated with increased levels of testosterone

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

• Hirsutism.

• Insulin resistance.

• Diabetes mellitus.

• Increased cholesterol levels.

• Increased blood pressure.

• Heart disease.

What Are the Effects of Testosterone on Women’s Health?

Estrogen is an important hormone in females. Women also need androgens to have good physical and emotional health.

Androgens in women include

• Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S).

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

• Androstenedione.

• Testosterone.

• Dihydrotestosterone.

These get converted to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (active forms). Testosterone gets converted to more active forms like dihydrotestosterone and estradiol.

Testosterone and Cardiac Disease:

Estrogen is responsible for dilating the blood vessels, reducing atherosclerotic plaque, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Testosterone gets converted to estradiol and acts on blood vessels. Hence increased levels of testosterone increase the risk of cardiac diseases. Low levels of testosterone reduce cardiac health.

Cutaneous Effects Due to Testosterone:

Dehydroepiandrosterone is responsible for the effect on hair follicles. It shrinks and shortens the growth of follicles leading to hair loss. When the androgen-to-estrogen ratio is higher, it may show excessive hair growth on the chin, cheeks, and upper lip.

Effects of Testosterone on Mood and Cognition:

The brain is shaped by estrogen during the developmental period of the fetus. Testosterone and estrogen have anti-inflammatory effects. Testosterone has a neuroprotective effect. This hormone helps modulate oxidative stress and reduce the buildup of amyloid-beta protein in the brain. This helps in the regeneration of nerves. The receptors of androgens are present in the central nervous system (CNS).

The activity of these affect-

• Libido.

• Regulation of heat.

• Sleep cycle.

• Cognitive ability.

• Language.

• Visiospatial skills.

Musculoskeletal Function:

Androgen receptors are present in bone-forming cells. When low levels of testosterone are present, it means low bone density and an increased risk of bone fractures. Testosterone helps maintain the health of the bones. It helps in the growth and strength of the bone.

Effects on Breast and Endometrial Tissue:

Since there is a high level of aromatase present in the breast, it helps convert testosterone into estrogen. This produces proliferative effects on the breast. But increased testosterone has the opposite effect. It helps suppress the growth of breast cancer cells.

Effects of Testosterone on Sexual Health:

Testosterone has been found to help promote sexual health. Women in post-menopause periods may show decreased levels of androgens. This can be corrected by giving people testosterone. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one in which there is low desire and a lack of arousal for sex drive. Testosterone can be used to treat such cases.

Effects of Testosterone on the Vagina:

After menopause, one may experience atrophy of the vulva and vagina. Testosterone given through the vagina can help with the epithelial thickening of the vagina and the proliferation of epithelium in post-menopausal women.

How to Diagnose Diseases Related to Testosterone Levels?

To diagnose testosterone levels, the following is to be done.

• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider looks for related symptoms.

• Test for Testosterone: Blood is drawn to examine the levels of testosterone. This test may be performed in the morning sessions. If any medications are being taken which affect the levels of testosterone may be asked to stop before the test is done.

• Liquid or gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and radioimmunoassay are used to measure testosterone levels.

How to Treat Abnormal Testosterone Levels?

Treatment of abnormal levels of testosterone depends on the cause of the underlying condition.

When there are increased levels of testosterone are present,

The underlying condition should be treated.

In some cases, the following drugs are given.

• Glucocorticosteroids.

• Antidiabetic drugs.

• Oral contraceptives.

When there are decreased levels of testosterone are present,

Testosterone therapy can be given to increase libido.

But this therapy has side effects like

• Development of acne.

• Voice gets deepened.

• Excess hair growth on the face and chest.

• Baldness may be observed.

• Reduced HDL (good) cholesterol.

Testosterone therapy does not affect cognitive mood or well-being.

If treatment is given, testosterone levels should be checked. Testosterone therapy should not be given to pregnant women. Because this may cause birth defects in the fetus.

A study has stated that testosterone, when given exogenously, increases cognitive performance and improves musculoskeletal function in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion:

Hormones are chemical substances secreted by the glands. These hormones play an important role in many functions of the body. Testosterone is a hormone that has effects on various functions of the body. Hence, knowing about it, its normal levels, and its effects on women’s health becomes important. Knowing this helps an individual seek help early. Early diagnosis helps in getting effective treatment. This, in turn, helps achieve a good quality of life.