A small portion of the male hormone testosterone is found in female body. The main functions of testosterone are the full functioning of the reproductive systems and the development of the muscular skeleton. Various changes in hormone concentrations have a very negative impact on a woman’s state of health and can cause the development of pathologies.
The manifestation of symptoms in each specific case is individual and depends on a number of subjective factors. If you suspect a low level of male hormone in the blood, you should contact your doctor. Experts identify the following main signs of pathology:
- Dry skin;
- The appearance of wrinkles;
- Brittle and split ends;
- Increased sweating;
- Bones become more fragile;
- Formation of fat deposits on the abdomen and neck;
- Decrease in overall muscle mass;
- Deterioration in sleep quality;
- Changes in voice;
- The pulse becomes faster;
- The appearance of fatigue, excessive fatigue;
- High irritability;
- Influxes of attacks of depression;
- Memory, attention and spatial orientation deteriorate;
- Disorders of menstrual cycles;
- Decreased or complete absence of sexual desire.
Also, due to a lack of testosterone, a woman cannot get pregnant for a long time.
Causes of deficiency
A decrease in the concentration of testosterone in the female body can be caused by for various reasons- This is both a natural aging process and the presence of a genetic predisposition. However, doctors list the following as the most common factors:
- Kidney failure;
- Endocrine system disorders;
- Pathological changes in the adrenal glands or ovaries;
- Various autoimmune diseases;
- Removal of one or more ovaries;
- Reception medicines or plants;
- Non-compliance with the regime or deterioration in the quality of nutrition;
- Eating foods high in carbohydrates;
- Insufficient intake of microelements such as magnesium and zinc;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Too much physical activity or not enough active image life;
- Obesity;
- Quite rare exposure to the sun;
- Constant stress;
- Low sexual activity.
Diagnostics
To determine the level of male hormone in the body of women, the attending physician prescribes a blood sample. Due to the fact that testosterone concentration depends on the time of day, menstrual cycle and the age of the patient, it is necessary to prepare for the analysis. You must donate blood on an empty stomach, and the day before you should not have sex, and avoid drinking alcohol and nicotine.
Also, to obtain the most accurate result, it is necessary to take tests at a strictly defined time of the menstrual cycle. If the cycle lasts 22–23 days, the analysis should be done on the 2nd or 3rd day of the start of menstruation. If the cycle lasts 28 days - day 4 or 5, and if the cycle lasts more than 28 days, blood should be donated on day 7. In situations where there is no menstruation, the cycle is unstable or during the period of ovulation, the date of blood sampling is determined by the gynecologist.
Natural concentration level
Experts divide testosterone into bound and free. The concentration of free testosterone is no more than 1% (in men this figure can reach 2%), and the remaining 99% binds to proteins in the blood that combine sex hormones and create a reserve that is not subject to metabolic processes.
Normal indicators free compounds in the body changes throughout life. For girls whose age does not exceed 9 years, the natural value of the hormone will be in the range of 0.06–1.7 pg/ml. For women of productive age, this indicator should not exceed 4.1 pg / ml, and for women during menopause - no higher than 7 pg / ml.
To determine the result of the total testosterone level, it is necessary to take into account the concentration of the hormone in both free and bound states. For representatives of the fair sex over 18 years of age, the reference figure is bound state should be in the range of 0.24–2.7 nmol/l. Due to the fact that the ratio of testosterone shares can change with different levels of well-being and can serve as a sign of the development of pathologies, the attending physician examines both hormones.
Restoring hormonal balance
To achieve normal concentrations of the male hormone in not particularly difficult cases, you can by refusing bad habits, balanced and proper nutrition, as well as regular sex.
The patient's diet should include healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and nuts. You should definitely increase your intake of beneficial microelements such as zinc and magnesium, which promote testosterone and retain it in the female body. It is also necessary to give up spicy and salty foods, soda and fast food.
In cases where the required result is not achieved, the attending physician prescribes hormone therapy. If there is a lack of testosterone, medications such as Omnadren, Parity, Testosterone propionate are often prescribed. However, everything medicines must be taken strictly in accordance with the doctor’s recommendation in order to avoid contraindications.
In addition to medications, you can achieve an increase in concentration using drugs traditional medicine. Among the wide variety of recipes, the following are considered the most effective:
- Infusion of rowan and wild rose. 3-4 handfuls of dry fruits must be poured with 1 liter of boiling water and allowed to brew for an hour. Drink throughout the day. This decoction can be drunk as tea by making it in a thermos;
- Hop tincture. Pour 300 ml of boiled water into a saucepan and add a tablespoon of hop cones. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Consume cold twice a day;
- Ginger tea. Pour 300 ml of boiling water into a thermos and dilute with 20 g of chopped ginger and let it brew for at least 5 hours. This decoction should be consumed 3-4 times a day, half a mug;
- 40–50 g consumed every day also helps to increase testosterone.
Decoctions prepared with aloe, ginseng and nettle are also considered useful.
However, do not forget that all non-traditional methods of treatment should be taken only after consultation with a herbalist. And in cases where hormone deficiency is caused by some pathology, grandmother’s decoctions and infusions will be an addition to drug therapy.
Forecast
With timely and effective method treatment, testosterone deficiency in women should be considered very beneficial and not life-threatening. The concentration of the hormone can be increased and maintained at the desired level using drug treatment, herbal medicine and normalization of nutrition and healthy image life.
Due to the fact that low testosterone affects the level of metabolism in the body of the fair sex, normalization of the hormone helps improve health in the presence of diseases such as ischemia, diabetes mellitus, all kinds of neoplasms in the mammary glands and various pathologies cardiovascular system. Timely treatment of male hormone deficiency is a preventive measure for osteoporosis.
Symptoms consistent with testosterone deficiency may also be a sign of other diseases that can be identified by your doctor, if the results are available laboratory research. Eliminating the deficiency of the male hormone has an extremely beneficial effect on improving the well-being and mood of the fair sex.
Excess weight, impaired hair growth and acne are often symptoms of low testosterone levels in women. This hormone is the main one in the male body. In women, its level is much lower. Compared to men, testosterone in a woman's body should be 70% lower. It is mainly secreted by the genitals.
Its concentration depends on factors such as age, health and lifestyle.
Reasons for deviations
There are a large number of reasons for increased testosterone in women, the consequences of which are always unpleasant. This may include both internal and external factors. Experts include the external culture of nutrition and environmental influences, and the internal ones include the period of lactation and gestation, age-related changes, various diseases.
A temporary imbalance of hormones will not greatly affect overall well-being, which cannot be said about a systemic nature. If deviations from the norm are observed for more than a year, serious complications appear.
Causes of high testosterone in women include:
Signs of hyperandrogenism
Women are attentive to their body and listen to it. Therefore, internal failures are always felt, not to mention when changes begin to “crawl out”, spoiling the appearance. In addition to the beauty of hair and skin, emotional behavior changes. Hormonal imbalances should not be ignored: at the first symptoms, you should contact a gynecologist or endocrinologist for a full examination.
The figure loses its femininity, becoming masculine. The belly begins to grow. From the outside nervous system changes are also taking place.
The woman becomes aggressive, there is a strong desire to take risks and commit rash acts. The girl wants to dominate and lead in everything. Changes in behavior undermine family harmony. All these signs mean it's time to see a doctor.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in women are no different in appearance from excess. The appearance also deteriorates and fatty deposits appear. But emotional behavior is sharply different: the deficiency is characterized by tearful and anxious states, constant drowsiness and fatigue.
Factors of testosterone deficiency often include:
Against the background of a decreased male hormone, the risk of cancer, endometriosis, and osteoporosis increases.
Deficiency is characterized by dryness and flaking skin, sagging muscles and changes in the shape of the mammary glands. It can be provoked by constant dieting, vegetarianism, fasting, and bad habits.
Normal testosterone levels
The level of hormones in the blood depends on many factors. Among them are age indicators, day of the menstrual cycle and time of day. The best time to take hormone tests is morning. It is at this time of day that the concentration of testosterone is maximum.
Normally, an excess of the hormone in the blood is observed during pregnancy, puberty and the onset of menopause. Testosterone levels increase with elevated physical activity. During these periods, studies are usually not carried out to determine the level of male hormone in the blood.
A woman’s testosterone level is measured in Nmol/l. Indicators should not go beyond the limits from 0.31 to 3.78, not counting difficult periods for the female body. Any fluctuation, plus or minus, can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s health and well-being.
Low testosterone is dangerous not only for men. For women, this condition brings no less troubles related to well-being and possible complications. A lack of testosterone affects not only the internal state of the body, but also the appearance. In this regard, this condition requires mandatory correction.
Why is low testosterone dangerous?
If testosterone is low, women experience a number of symptoms related to its functions. This hormone in the body is responsible for several processes:
- maturation of the dominant follicle;
- regulation of sebum secretion;
- the emergence of sexual desire;
- muscle tissue growth;
- regulation of lipid metabolism;
- protein production and assembly;
- glucose metabolism.
At normal quantity testosterone in the blood, the woman is smiling, friendly and cheerful. When its level is reduced, depression, depression, and apathy occur. The woman feels tired, there is a frequent desire to lie down to rest, and her ability to work decreases.
In addition to subjective sensations, a lack of testosterone provokes some diseases. These include:
- osteoporosis;
- endometriosis;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- breast tumors of various types;
- diabetes mellitus
The worst complications of testosterone deficiency are infertility and breast cancer. Timely treatment can prevent these complications. The key to successful recovery is, among other things, normalization of testosterone levels in the blood. Control over its quantity when it appears unpleasant symptoms Hormone deficiency helps prevent the development of diseases.
Why testosterone decreases in women
A drop in testosterone levels occurs for several reasons. They are combined into two groups: internal and external. The list of endogenous factors includes:
- endocrine pathologies;
- ovarian neoplasms;
- pathologies of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus;
- Down syndrome;
- burdened heredity;
- age (menopause, menopause);
- kidney failure;
- removal of the ovaries (unilateral or bilateral);
- autoimmune diseases.
If there is an endogenous cause for a decrease in testosterone levels, it is necessary, if possible, to eliminate it or correct the general hormonal balance.
There are also exogenous factors that provoke androgen deficiency. These include:
- lack of balance in nutrition;
- lack of zinc and magnesium;
- alcohol abuse;
- eating predominantly carbohydrate foods;
- obesity;
- treatment with some medicines(antimycotics, opioids, COCs, anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids);
- sedentary lifestyle;
- irregular sex life;
- lack of sun for a long time.
If there is an influence of external factors on testosterone levels, it is necessary to eliminate them or minimize the effect. To do this, a woman needs to reconsider her daily routine, nutrition and habits.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency
A woman has various manifestations. The most common include:
- excess fat deposits on the abdomen, arms, neck;
- splitting of nails, brittleness and dullness of hair;
- change in voice towards quiet and muffled;
- peeling of the skin due to pathological dryness, formation of wrinkles;
- depression, apathy;
- hysteria, tearfulness, increased irritability;
- decreased libido, lack of orgasm;
- bone fragility;
- increased heart rate;
- infertility (unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant for more than 1 year);
- increased secretion of sweat glands;
- sudden weight loss;
- irregular menstrual cycle;
- loss of muscle strength;
- general weakness, lethargy, drowsiness;
- sleep problems;
- sudden feeling of heat accompanied by reddening of the cheeks (hot flashes);
- deterioration of attention and memory, difficulty remembering.
Low level testosterone can make significant changes in a woman’s life. If you have one of the signs of this pathology, you should contact your gynecologist for a referral to undergo tests to determine the amount of the required hormone. This will help to start treatment on time and prevent the development of unpleasant symptoms and possible complications.
What increases testosterone in women
If tests reveal low testosterone in a woman, you can increase it in several ways. The choice of correction method depends on the degree of change in indicators, the patient’s lifestyle and concomitant diseases.
Increasing testosterone can be achieved without the use of medications. To do this, a woman needs to normalize her sleep and wakefulness patterns. You should fall asleep no later than 23.00, and get up no later than 8.00. The average sleep duration should be at least 8 hours. In this case, the body has time to fully recover.
It is also worth adjusting your diet. To do this, you need to calculate the amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and kilocalories that a woman’s body requires to maintain the balance of hormones. This takes into account age, weight, height and physical activity. An evening and morning ritual should be jogging or playing sports. It helps increase testosterone in a natural way and makes you feel good.
You should also refrain from bad habits. Question: “Does regular sex life increase testosterone?” — most people haven’t had it for a long time. Of course sexual relations have a positive effect on the level of this hormone. In the absence of tangible results or the presence of serious concomitant pathologies, the doctor prescribes drugs to increase testosterone.
All medications of this type are divided into several groups: injection (in the form of injections), oral (tablets) and transdermal (applied to the skin and penetrates through it). The most known drugs Testosterone propionate, Parity, Omnadren are considered. They are available by prescription; self-prescribing and taking these medications is prohibited.
In the presence of concomitant pathologies of a tumor nature, it is necessary surgical treatment- removal of the tumor. Such patients undergo chemotherapy and then begin correction hormonal levels, if necessary.
If normalizing the regimen does not help, but there is no great need to take medications, we increase testosterone levels folk recipes. To do this, adjustments are made to the daily diet:
- the number of products containing zinc is increasing large quantities(poultry, seafood, nuts);
- Be sure to eat fresh vegetables and fruits;
- foods containing healthy fats are introduced (tuna, salmon, avocado, olives);
- “food waste” (fast food, convenience foods, carbonated drinks, packaged juices) is completely eliminated.
Drinks made from aloe, ginseng, nettle, tribulus, and damiana are useful as maintenance therapy. A decoction based on rowan berries and rose hips is also prepared (3 handfuls of berries are brewed with boiling water, cooled, and drunk throughout the day).
How can you increase testosterone? in different ways, it is necessary to know exactly its quantity and understand the degree of reduction and the level of hormonal imbalance. Light form pathologies will be corrected by an established sleep and nutrition regime, as well as folk remedies. Severe degree with concomitant pathologies requires a serious approach and drug treatment.
Found only in the blood of men. However, this is not true. It is also found in the female body. Deviation from the norm of testosterone in women entails negative consequences, including for reproductive function. The reasons for the decrease and increase in hormone levels are different. Let's talk about this in more detail later.
Most people believe that testosterone is only found in the blood of men.
Testosterone levels in women are normal
The concentration of the hormone in the blood of women varies depending on external and internal influences. The level varies depending on the time of day (in the morning the level is higher, in the evening – lower), age and phase of the menstrual cycle.
During pregnancy, hormonal levels increase and by the third trimester its value becomes 3-4 times higher than normal.
Testosterone can be found either in a protein-bound state or in a free state. The bound hormone is not metabolized and forms a pool (reserve). Its minimum concentration is observed in girls before puberty (0.05-1.8 pg/ml), the maximum - during puberty (4.1 pg/ml). The amount of free testosterone in women is about 2%.
When calculating hormone levels, both values are taken into account, since changes in the level and ratio of bound and unbound testosterone make it possible to make the correct diagnosis.
Testosterone in a woman’s body: functions
A change in the level of the hormone in question indicates the presence of a serious pathology in a woman’s body
What is testosterone responsible for in women? For what functions of the female body is it needed?
The androgenic group hormone in question is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Smaller amounts are produced by the placenta and skin. The concentration of the hormone changes due to the work of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Testosterone in the female body is necessary for the following functions:
- Formation of the egg in the ovaries.
- Proper functioning of the reproductive system.
- Increased muscle mass.
- Formation of sufficient bone tissue density.
- Regulating the amount of adipose tissue and the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Development of sexual desire.
- Regulation of protein, phosphorus, nitrogen, lipoprotein metabolism.
- Reducing the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.
- Endurance.
- Resistance to stress.
- Proper water exchange.
- Blood sugar control.
How does abnormal testosterone manifest itself in women?
A change in the level of the hormone in question indicates the presence of a serious pathology in a woman’s body. Fluctuations in testosterone concentration are expressed various symptoms, if present, you should immediately visit a doctor and donate blood for hormones.
Excess hormone: causes, symptoms
Normally, the concentration increases after physical work. A pathological excess of testosterone in women threatens to disrupt the formation of the egg. This pathology has a name: “Hyperandrogenism.” Based on its origin, the disease is divided into ovarian and adrenal. The causes of the pathology may be the following:
- neoplasm in the ovaries;
- ovulatory phase of the cycle;
- adrenal hyperplasia;
- poor nutrition;
- heredity;
- pregnancy;
- taking medications.
All of the above conditions, with the exception of pregnancy, require testing and treatment.
Pathological excess of testosterone in women threatens to disrupt the formation of the egg
Diagnosing hyperandrogenism is not difficult. The symptoms are as follows:
- Increased sebum secretion.
- The appearance of acne.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Male body type.
- The appearance of hair on the face and chest.
- Deepening of the voice.
- Increased aggressiveness.
- Enlargement of the clitoris.
- Increased physical activity.
Prolonged hyperandrogenism leads to dysfunction of the ovaries and threatens infertility.
Low testosterone in women: causes, symptoms
This pathology can provoke serious illnesses: diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, endometrial inflammation, breast tumors, heart and vascular disease.
The causes of low testosterone in women can be both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external).
The causes of low testosterone in women can be both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external)
Endogenous causes include:
- diseases of the adrenal glands, hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
- endocrine diseases;
- heredity;
- ovarian tumors;
- autoimmune pathology;
- age-related changes.
Exogenous causes include the following:
- eating foods high in magnesium or zinc;
- unbalanced or unhealthy diet;
- consumption of carbohydrates in large quantities;
- alcohol consumption;
- taking medications (for example, contraceptives, antifungals, anticonvulsants);
- weight gain;
- high or low physical activity;
- insufficient sunbathing;
- insufficient sexual activity.
If a woman's testosterone is low, the following signs appear:
- Brittle hair, nails, dry skin.
- Obesity in the abdomen, neck and arms.
- Decreased voice strength.
- Depression.
- Lack of sexual desire.
- Irritability, tearfulness.
- Decreased bone density.
- Infertility.
- Tachycardia.
- Sweating.
- Losing weight.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Decreased memory and attention
Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after testing
Treatment can be medication or with traditional methods. Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor after testing. Self-Acceptance hormonal drugs can lead to serious consequences. Hormonal therapy involves the prescription of drugs (for example, Yarina, Digitalis).
If the reason for the change in hormone levels lies in the tumor, then the issue of surgical removal is considered.
To reduce the concentration of the hormone, the diet should be adjusted. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be balanced, but you cannot limit yourself in food. The diet should include vegetables, meat, and seafood. Exercising will help reduce the concentration of androgenic hormone. Herbal medicine will also help in solving this problem: vitex, licorice root, black cohosh. These herbs lead hormonal balance back to normal.
To reduce the concentration of the hormone, you should adjust your diet
If hormonal levels are low, it is recommended to eat chicken meat, nuts, olives and fish. These products contain a lot of zinc, which is necessary to get rid of the disease. Products must be of natural origin and should not contain hormones.
Losing body weight can also help increase testosterone levels in women. If there is no effect from the listed measures, this indicates the need to prescribe testosterone-containing drugs. Only a doctor can prescribe such hormonal therapy.
For successful treatment You must stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
This is a male sex hormone that is present in the bodies of both men and women. In men it is produced by the adrenal glands and testes, in women - by the adrenal glands and ovaries. It is present in small quantities in childhood, but active production begins only during puberty, which affects the formation and development of the body.
Functions of testosterone
Testosterone has a number of important functions that are different in men and women.
Men:
- growth and development of genital organs;
- sperm synthesis;
- hair growth on the pubic area, chest, face and other parts of the body;
- bone growth, formation of a male body type;
- muscle growth;
- changes in the larynx area, which is reflected in the timbre of the voice;
- regulation of the sweat and sebaceous glands.
This hormone is involved in metabolic processes and protein synthesis, and also determines sexual desire, potency and behavioral characteristics of a man.
Women:
- affects the maturation of the corpus luteum and egg;
- formation and growth of mammary glands (breast size);
- accelerates the oxidation and breakdown of proteins;
- determines female libido and sexual desire;
- determines the condition of bones and muscles.
Normal testosterone levels
The level of the hormone changes throughout life in both sexes, but all ages have their own limits within which testosterone levels are considered normal. General level consists of free active testosterone in the blood (about 2%) and protein-bound (98%). The level usually rises gradually until age 50 and then declines.
Women:
Important to know! During pregnancy, testosterone levels may exceed the permissible limits several times and this is normal.
Low testosterone in men
In children's and adolescence low levels of the hormone slow down the growth and development of the genital organs, which makes a man a hermaphrodite - a person with sexual characteristics of both sexes. Instead of a male muscular figure, a female one is formed. A man has narrow shoulders and a wide pelvis, a high timbre of voice, lack of muscles and swelling of the mammary glands, which can lead to the formation of female breasts.
In adult men, low levels of the hormone are manifested by the following symptoms:
- mood swings and depression;
- low physical endurance and increased fatigue;
- behavior becomes similar to that of a woman (irritability, tearfulness, etc.);
- absence or low potency, decreased libido;
- weakening of muscles;
- reduction in the quantity and quality of seminal fluid;
- hair loss on all parts of the body;
- decreased rate of facial hair growth;
- weakening of bones;
- fat deposition on the hips and waist, female type;
- breast enlargement and swelling;
- increased spasmodic sweating, as in women during menopause.
- castration or absence of testicles;
- testicular injury;
- a congenital enzyme defect in which testosterone is normal, but cannot bind to cells and have the necessary effect;
- underdeveloped testicles caused by a genetic disease;
- disruption of the pituitary gland caused by infection or tumor;
- infection or tumor in the adrenal glands;
- taking hormonal drugs (cytostatics and glucocorticoids).
Other causes include aging, alcohol, drugs and excess weight.
Low testosterone in women
Hormone deficiency affects appearance and the well-being of women.
Symptoms:
- weakness and low physical activity;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- lack of sexual desire;
- depressed mood;
- insomnia and irritability;
- lack of orgasm;
- body hair loss;
- weakening of bones, nails and skin.
- poor diet, with little animal food, vegetables and fruits;
- menopause;
- smoking and drug or alcohol use;
- low physical activity, sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of sex life;
- usage hormonal contraceptives based on estrogen;
- uterine diseases;
- ovarian diseases;
- diseases of the pituitary gland or adrenal glands.
Increased testosterone in men
An elevated level may not always become a pathology, but only if it is intermittent. At a constant high level, a number of symptoms are observed that cause disturbances in the functioning of the body.
Symptoms:
- in adolescents: a significant increase in the penis, while the growth of the scrotum stops; a sharp jump in body growth; early puberty (pubic and facial hair, sexual desire);
- frequent erections and strong libido;
- high physical and sexual endurance;
- developed muscles and lack of fat;
- Excessive body hair and bald spots on the head.
- congenital disorder of the adrenal glands, possibly a genetic disease;
- tumor in the pituitary gland or adrenal gland;
- prostate or testicular cancer;
- steroid use.
Increased testosterone in women
Increased levels of the hormone in women are observed much more often than decreased levels and, in some cases, are the norm.
Symptoms:
- increased hair growth on the body (arms, legs, face);
- aggressiveness and irritability;
- increased sexual desire;
- muscle formation;
- the appearance of acne on the skin;
- menstrual irregularities;
- frequent miscarriages;
- jumps in body weight in both directions.
- pregnancy;
- genetic disease;
- ovulation period;
- disruption of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland;
- breast oncology;
- tumor in the ovaries.
Interesting! Excess of the hormone in women causes a rare disease, hirsutism, which manifests itself in the form of increased hair growth on the body.
Surveys
If symptoms of deviation from the norm are observed, it is necessary to undergo examination. To do this, a blood test is done from a vein to determine the amount of the hormone. If the indicators deviate, the doctor prescribes additional examinations to determine the cause, which may be natural (poor nutrition, menopause, obesity, etc.) or caused by serious diseases.
Additionally, the following may be assigned:
- MRI of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and brain;
- Ultrasound of the mammary glands and ovaries (in women);
- Ultrasound of the prostate and testicles (in men);
- Ultrasound internal organs;
- blood test for sugar and cholesterol;
- A complete blood test for other hormones to determine overall levels.
A blood test for testosterone is done in the morning on an empty stomach. A few days before this, you should stop taking all hormonal medications. 12 hours before the test you should not drink alcohol, smoke or play sports. Women are recommended to donate blood on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle.
The results are usually ready the next day. The price does not exceed 1000 rubles.
Do I need treatment?
If an abnormality in testosterone levels is detected, the doctor must find the cause. If this is a disease of internal organs or glands, then a course of treatment with drugs, including hormonal ones, is prescribed. If it is cancerous or another tumor, it is removed surgically.
The cause of the disorder may be lifestyle that needs to be changed in order to stabilize hormone levels. To do this, you should follow a number of recommendations:
- have sex regularly;
- avoid stressful situations that weaken the body;
- try to get rid of excess weight(obesity);
- exercise regularly and spend more time in the fresh air (in the forest, outside the city);
- eliminate the use of alcohol and drugs;
- Always have in your diet foods rich in zinc, vitamins and minerals (vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood);
- do not be overloaded physically and emotionally;
- stop using steroids.
Important to know! A lack of testosterone can be caused by diseases of the internal organs, so a simple injection of the hormone will not cure, but will only smooth out the symptoms. Only by eliminating the disease itself can you be completely cured.
Consequences of excess or deficiency
Disturbances in testosterone levels can cause severe consequences for both women and men.
Consequences of excess in men:
- the formation of cancerous tumors;
- testicular atrophy;
- prostate adenoma;
- disruption of internal organs;
- infertility;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- hypertension;
- blood clots and bleeding disorders.
Consequences of excess in women:
- ovarian and breast cancer;
- adrenal gland diseases;
- development of obesity;
- diabetes mellitus;
- formation of a male figure;
- the appearance of excess hair on the face and other parts of the body.
Consequences of deficiency in men:
- impotence;
- infertility;
- obesity;
- diabetes mellitus;
- cardiovascular diseases (risk of heart attacks and strokes).
Consequences of deficiency in women:
- depression and risk of suicide;
- problems in sexual life;
- weakness of bones and joints;
- obesity or anorexia;
- infertility;
- deterioration of skin and hair condition.
Changing testosterone levels over a long period of time causes severe consequences that become more difficult to reverse. It is better to identify the disease early and be cured before it is too late. This is especially true for children and adolescents, whose bodies are still developing, and testosterone has a huge impact on puberty and healthy development.