Elisabeth Langan
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Some women seek treatment for lower testosterone levels caused by another health condition or surgery, such as removal of the ovaries. In women, normal testosterone levels range from 15 to 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood. Some women may have higher or lower levels of testosterone and higher or lower levels of estrogen ("female" sex hormones) than others. Testosterone is an androgen, which is a "male" sex hormone that plays a role in reproduction, growth, and maintenance of a healthy body. After menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels in females decrease significantly.
Late-onset male hypogonadism happens when the decline in testosterone levels is linked to general aging and/or age-related conditions, particularly obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that the normal ranges for testosterone levels can vary based on the type of blood test done and the laboratory where it is done. If a woman has symptoms of high or low testosterone, it’s recommended that she visit a healthcare provider to get further testing and a diagnosis. While there’s a clinical reference on "healthy" levels of testosterone, there’s no established information on the optimal range to diagnose abnormal levels in women. It’s okay for testosterone levels to fluctuate for women in different stages of life.
Treatment for abnormal testosterone levels will depend on several factors. After menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels begin to decrease. However, there’s no official consensus on healthy testosterone levels. Testosterone levels may start to decline after age 30 years in males and between ages 45 and 55 years in females. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of low testosterone, it’s still good to get a blood test annually, she says. Conventional medicine only tests your testosterone if you’re experiencing symptoms of lower testosterone levels. In addition to these, having too-high testosterone levels put you at risk for health conditions including cancer, cardiac complications, and irritability (9).
In cases of tumors or other medical conditions, treating the underlying cause is essential. Treatment for high testosterone depends entirely on the underlying cause. Accurate diagnosis of high testosterone requires comprehensive testing beyond a single testosterone measurement.
Over time, this can lead to dramatically reduced sperm production or even complete infertility. Paradoxically, other men find that excessively high testosterone actually reduces libido or causes erectile difficulties. Sexual thoughts become constant and distracting, and the drive for sexual release feels more compulsive than pleasurable.
There are times when low testosterone is not such a bad thing. Affected women may experience low libido, reduced bone strength, poor concentration or depression. For example, a man with osteoporosis and low testosterone can increase bone strength and reduce his fracture risk with testosterone replacement. The testes produces less testosterone, there are fewer signals from the pituitary telling the testes to make testosterone.
When people enter menopause, their estrogen levels typically drop. However, laboratories may report levels down to 264 ng/dL as within the normal range. In people who are premenopausal, testosterone is made mainly in the ovaries. Testosterone levels reach their peak around age 18 before declining throughout the remainder of adulthood.