Testosterone in women: norm, causes and consequences of deviations. Increased testosterone in women, causes and treatment, consequences

Testosterone is an androgenic hormone responsible for human sex differences, sexual activity and physical endurance. Testosterone is mainly produced by the male body, but it is also found in the fair sex in small quantities.

Testosterone in women that exceeds the norm leads to very strong changes in the body - not only the appearance changes, but also the functioning of all organs and systems. Improper production of testosterone in the female body can lead to serious diseases.

To prevent serious health problems, you need to know the causes and consequences of increased testosterone in women.

The role of testosterone in a woman's body

The male body produces more testosterone than the female body. And this is for a healthy man. Despite the fact that testosterone is considered to be a male hormone, women also need it.

Testosterone in women performs the following functions:

• formation of a female figure during puberty;
• muscle growth;
• regulation of libido;
• normal height skeletal system during adolescence;
• correct functioning reproductive system;
• activity level bone marrow.

In all people, testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands. In addition to this, in male body Leydig cells are responsible for the production of the hormone, and in the female, the ovaries. If all these organs are completely healthy, testosterone production occurs at the rate established by nature.

Causes of impaired testosterone production

The general level of this hormone in a young female body is considered to be 0.7–3 nmol/l, in mature women – 0.45–3.75 nmol/l. If the results of the analysis reveal that the level has deviated from the norm, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Increased testosterone may be due to:

• increased work of the adrenal glands;
• ovarian diseases that provoke excess testosterone in women;
• diseases genitourinary system oncological nature;
• unhealthy functioning of the pituitary gland greatly affects all metabolic and production processes in the body;
• poor nutrition long time or constant – shortage useful vitamins and microelements impairs the functioning of the entire body;
• the use of steroids stimulates increased production of male hormones - a fairly common reason among athletes involved in heavy sports that require high physical endurance;
• regular use oral contraceptives;
• hereditary pathology is the most common cause;
• the period of the third trimester of pregnancy is marked by a strong restructuring of the woman’s body to hormonal level, which also affects education male hormone.

Women's health related to the reproductive system and all processes is very important for the fulfillment of natural destiny - the continuation of the human race. Therefore, a gynecologist and an endocrinologist are specialists who should be on the list of doctors for a preventive examination.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Knowing the symptoms hormonal disorder, easy to prevent serious consequences, turning to specialists for professional help in a timely manner.

The signs are as follows:

• violation menstrual cycle;
• disturbance of proper sleep;
• increased hair loss;
• fluff over upper lip becomes harder and darker;
• clitoral enlargement;
• enlargement of the labia;
• the appearance of hoarseness and rudeness in the voice;
• increased skin oiliness, as a result -;
• frequent aggression, depression for no reason;
• lack of ovulation, which indicates the appearance of infertility.

If at least a few of the above symptoms are observed, you should immediately contact an endocrinologist and gynecologist. The doctor will issue a referral for a testosterone test. If the diagnosis is confirmed, hormonal medications will be prescribed and special diet. Comprehensive treatment will help reduce testosterone levels and increase the amount of estrogen, a female hormone that affects a woman’s ability to bear children.

Pay attention! You should not try to self-treat with hormonal drugs based on the diagnosis and received general information from the Internet or television programs. The doctor prescribes the duration of treatment and type of medications individually. At the end of the course, it is necessary to undergo regular testosterone testing - there is still a possibility of relapse.

Consequences of hormonal changes in women

The consequences of increased testosterone in women leads to serious violations health. Without timely complex treatment diseases not only progress, but also become the cause of new health problems.

The first changes may affect the appearance:

• , breasts - hard hair appears in places uncharacteristic for a woman;
• thinning hair on the head, the appearance of bald patches;
• the appearance of excess weight;
• Over time, excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and arms is possible.

And also the functioning of all systems in the body is gradually disrupted, which leads to the following consequences:

• seborrhea on the scalp;
• increased appearance of acne;
• irregular monthly cycle;
• development diabetes mellitus;
• increased blood cholesterol levels;
• the appearance of high blood pressure;
• emergence of diseases cardiovascular system;
• obesity.

If, when the above health problems appeared, the woman was not prescribed a comprehensive and effective therapy, dangerous complications may arise:

• ovarian dysfunction;
• infertility;
• the risk of developing an ovarian tumor increases.

Hormonal levels change very dramatically during puberty and pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to pay enough attention to the health of the girl and the expectant mother, since the risk of increasing testosterone levels during these periods increases several times.

Pay attention! If there is a risk of predisposition to increased production male hormone in a little girl, it is necessary to be observed by specialists. If you do not attach importance to this phenomenon in advance, then during puberty the girl’s figure will be formed according to male type.

Pregnancy at any age and at any stage affects a woman’s hormonal levels. This is usually expressed sudden changes mood, bursts of depression or aggressiveness towards others become more frequent. If hormonal fluctuations according to test results are within the normal range for this period, this is great. But if the results of a routine examination show that testosterone is outside the normal range, there is a risk of the following consequences:

• there is a risk of intrauterine fetal death;
• periodic complications are possible during pregnancy itself;
• in the first and second trimester, the likelihood of miscarriage or fetal death increases.

Celebrating hormonal changes, doctors, for the purpose of prevention, carry out hormone therapy– to reduce the male hormone closer to normal. Considering nature’s foresight, this event is not always necessary, but you should not ignore the recommendations of a specialist. The procedure does not pose a serious threat to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus; it is designed to preserve the child and the healthy condition of the mother.

Fact! During pregnancy, testosterone in women increases 3-4 times. The placenta has the function of converting this hormone into estrogen for the safety of mother and child.

Psychological changes

In addition to external changes and serious health problems, psychological changes are also often encountered. The woman becomes more aggressive, prone to competition, gambling, dominance over the environment and excessive consumption alcohol. In other words, a woman changes her habits to more masculine ones.

It is worth noting that such changes psychological nature do not always happen and not 100%. This phenomenon depends on a number of associated factors: environment, upbringing, initially psychological state and genetic data. Most often, changes in behavior are limited to increased aggression and severe depression.

Testosterone is present in both male and female bodies. Normally participates in metabolic processes, regulates libido, muscle growth. But if its concentration in the blood deviates from the norm, this leads to various problems: appearance and well-being deteriorate, overweight, it is difficult to get pregnant.

This hormone regulates sexual desire, the ratio of fat and muscle mass. In addition, it promotes the growth bone cells, prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis. Its general level and physiologically active, so-called free testosterone are distinguished. They may have different meaning: the level is generally within normal limits, and the free level is increased.

When there is a deficiency of this hormone caused by a low-carbohydrate diet, vegetarianism or other reasons, a feeling of chronic fatigue occurs. It can decrease with the development of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and falls steadily during menopause, although in general its level gradually increases with age.

Manifestations of high testosterone (hyperandrogenism): hair loss in characteristic places like men's, the appearance of acne (acne) and excess hair on the face, back, arms, increased oiliness of the skin or vice versa, dryness and flaking, sudden mood swings, causeless irritation, aggression. The figure may change, becoming masculine, and the voice may become rougher.

The cycle is also disrupted until menstruation completely disappears; there may be difficulties with conception and bearing a fetus if testosterone in women when planning pregnancy is very high. It is normal for pregnant women to have high levels of testosterone, especially when they are expecting a boy. But a strong increase can lead to a frozen pregnancy and complications during childbirth.

It is better to take tests for this hormone from days 3 to 5 and from 8 to 10 of the cycle. In order for the results to be as accurate as possible, on the eve of the tests you should avoid intense training, sex, drinking alcohol, eliminate stress, and before taking the test, do not smoke, do not worry, and rest for a couple of hours. The results of the analysis are usually known the next day. Normal value For adult woman amounts to 0.45-3.75 nmol/l.

Reasons for the increase

High testosterone occurs in women for various reasons.

Insulin can swing testosterone levels in both directions, causing hormonal imbalance. Over time, the combination of these two symptoms leads to polycystic ovary syndrome. At the same time, there is also a high level of estrogen and low progesterone.

From visible signs One may note the deposition of fatty tissue in the abdominal area, facial hair, darkening of the skin, and mood swings.

There is more estrogen than progesterone

When one of the hormones in the body suddenly exceeds its norm, it affects the entire hormonal background, since they are all interconnected. The relationship between progesterone and estrogen is not clearly established, but together they lead to an increase in testosterone and DHEA ( dehydroepiandrosterone). An increase in the amount of estrogen causes the well-known PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Low physical activity

Exercising helps to utilize excess testosterone. Although no direct connection has been identified, they reduce insulin levels. This helps lower testosterone and also normalizes weight, which when hormonal imbalance is often redundant.

Adrenal diseases

These paired organs produce testosterone, which in the process goes through a complex chain of transformations: DHAE, pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione. Their growth causes an increase in testosterone. Adrenal hyperplasia also increases DHEA and testosterone levels, severe stress, causing their dysfunction, the use of dietary supplements with the substances listed above, insulin resistance.

If leptin is higher than normal, it makes it difficult to lose weight. It is produced by fat cells and controls metabolism, dictating to the brain when it is time to “store” fat and when to get rid of it. If the sensitivity to this hormone becomes lower, the brain does not receive signals of saturation, which leads to constant feeling hunger and slowdown of metabolic processes.

High leptin also occurs in women with insulin resistance, in addition, it itself causes an increase in testosterone.

Obesity

Fat cells contain an enzyme that stimulates testosterone production. The more there are, the higher the hormone level. In addition, fat reduces the sensitivity of other tissues to insulin, which also helps to increase testosterone, as mentioned above.

Treatment

When it becomes known that the level of male hormone in the body is increased, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist and endocrinologist as soon as possible in order to begin treatment on time concomitant diseases, if any, and also rule out the root cause.

Natural Methods

If testosterone levels are slightly elevated, you can try to normalize it through lifestyle changes: sports, nutrition and natural remedies.

• A diet based on foods that increase estrogen production: soy products, apples, cherries, wheat and rice, as well as vegetables, fried potatoes, sugar, cream, natural coffee (1 cup per day), green tea, cauliflower and broccoli, legumes and beer (in moderation).
• Physical activity. Yoga, as well as Pilates and other light exercises, help to normalize hormonal levels. You should not get too carried away with strength training, as excessive growth of muscle mass is possible; it is better to choose those types of training where there is a combination different types loads, development of flexibility.
• Acupuncture. An exotic method that increases the body’s energy metabolism by influencing acupuncture points, and also increases estrogen production.
• Medicinal herbs and folk recipes, for example, flaxseed decoction, carrot juice and, oatmeal jelly, tincture of peony roots. From herbal remedies Angelica officinalis, evening primrose, licorice root, evening primrose, chasteberry, sage, red clover, peppermint, stevia, black cohosh, fireweed, milk thistle, fenugreek, dandelion and nettle are considered effective. However, you should not get carried away with self-medication; substances contained in herbs can cause unwanted effects when used thoughtlessly. It is better to use them as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.
• Nutritional supplements and dietary supplements: Prostamol Uno, Saw Palmetto, Likoprofit, Yogi Tea, PerFerm Forte, Doppelhertz Active Menopause, Altera Plus, Diindolylmethane, linoleic acid, calcium-D-gluconate. Supplements are harmless, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed.
• Complete rest and sufficient quantity sleep - at least eight hours a day dark time days.
• Sexual activity. During intimate contact, the female sex hormone is produced and the male sex hormone decreases.

Medicines

When treating hyperandrogenism, doctors prescribe hormonal and other drugs such as:

• Oral contraceptives: Diane 35, Tri-Mercy, Logest, Jess, Klaira, Zhanine and Yarina (reduce testosterone synthesis, but have quite big list contraindications);
• Glucocorticosteroid drugs: hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, paramethasone, prednisolone, metipred. Stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands;
• Anti-androgens: androcur, flutacan, spironolactone, cyproterone, etc. Suppress testosterone production.
• Glucose preparations: siofor, glucophage and veroshpiron (spironolactone and metamorphine included in the substance suppress the synthesis of excess testosterone).

It should be remembered that hormonal medical supplies have many contraindications. Self-medication and gross interference in the hormonal balance of the body are very undesirable and fraught dangerous consequences. Use hormonal drugs justified in case of a serious threat to life and health. Lifestyle changes, adequate rest, moderate exercise and healthy eating are a necessary condition normalization of hormonal levels in the female body.

Testosterone is considered a specific male hormone responsible for the development of muscle strength and mass, sexual behavior, masculinity and courage, bordering on self-sacrifice. This is all true, but no less important role The hormone also plays in the body of women, although its content in the weaker sex is approximately 25 times less.

Men try in every possible way to increase the level of this hormone in the body, to become even stronger and sexier, but women, on the contrary, are very afraid of this, since excess testosterone in women not only harms the external attractiveness of women, but can lead to such serious illnesses like infertility. Treatment when there is an excess of hormone levels above normal is not an easy process, but it is feasible.

The symptoms of high testosterone in women are hard to miss. Hair on female body They suddenly begin to grow where they shouldn’t be at all, on the face, on the hands. And where they should be, on the head, on the contrary, they begin to fall out en masse. The figure begins to develop according to the male type, the skeleton is wide at the shoulders and narrow at the hips, strong angular muscles, a rough, low voice.

In addition to external unattractiveness, high testosterone negatively affects the menstrual cycle and ovulation, so it should be taken into account that the violation monthly cycle and its intensity - possible symptoms high testosterone.

During pregnancy general level The hormone is naturally increased, this is necessary for bearing the fetus and developing the mammary glands, but the level must be controlled, since too high a level of the hormone can cause miscarriage or miscarriage.

When testosterone levels are elevated in a woman's body, it can cause severe diabetes. Treatment, as a rule, is not carried out in a hospital, except in cases of continued pregnancy, when testosterone increases uncontrollably.

Why can the total hormone level be exceeded? Why does a woman suddenly begin to acquire masculine features, why does it happen earlier in girls? sexual development? The reasons for high testosterone levels in women can be very different, the most common of which is, of course, age.

In addition, increased testosterone in women can be caused by the following reasons:

• genetic predisposition to this pathology is a common cause; the exact mechanism of hereditary transmission has not been fully studied, but it has been noted that at the genetic level female line this disease is often transmitted through one generation, that is, from grandmother to granddaughter;
• In our body, the main producers of various hormones are the pituitary gland, ovaries, thyroid gland and the adrenal cortex, so tumors, ovarian pathologies and disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal cortex can cause excess hormone levels;
• not all drugs with which we treat all kinds of ailments are completely harmless (barbiturate, clomiphene), therefore, as a result of healing some diseases, we can acquire hormonal imbalances, in particular testosterone may be exceeded;
• improper nutrition can lead to both a temporary situation when the hormone is elevated, and chronic course this illness;
• Another reason for increased testosterone in women is sun tanning, so temporarily refrain from direct sun rays, dear ladies;
• increased testosterone in women can cause starvation, poor nutrition, low-calorie diets.

Nowadays, treatment and reduction of testosterone levels is not a problem from a medical point of view, and an excess of the hormone in women is successfully normalized with the help of a number of drugs and natural remedies.

Nutrition

No matter how you manage to reduce the level of testosterone in the body, unfortunately, you must admit that testosterone does not like to give up its positions and you will now always have to monitor its level. Treatment with pills is not always effective and harmless, so the most in a simple way prevention and control, there will, of course, be nutrition.

But you shouldn’t be discouraged here, since nutrition to reduce hormone levels does not contain any serious restrictions on quantity and quality, unlike many diets. For example, a testosterone-lowering diet recommends eating meat and roasted vegetables, especially potatoes, daily. Sweets and fruits are a must. Good diet, isn't it? Meals should be regular and frequent, you should not allow yourself to feel hungry - hunger immediately automatically increases testosterone levels.

Sugar. Let's start talking about nutrition with good news for women: sweets interfere with the production of hormones in the female body. Why? Sugar in the body stimulates the production of insulin, which is the antipode of testosterone. Sugar not only suppresses the synthesis of testosterone in the female body, but also turns it into female hormone estrogen, cause female beauty, femininity, attractiveness.

It is to estrogen that women owe soft silky skin, elastic braids, a rounded figure and thin waist. But as you understand, sugar is a double-edged sword - soft skin and an elastic braid are of course good, but excessive expulsion of testosterone with chocolate, pastries, cakes and sweets will affect the waist and hips. Sugar is best obtained from natural products, from honey, vegetables and fruits. It should be remembered that honey added to tea is tasty, but useless; it should be eaten cold.

Dates. By a wide margin, dates, both fresh and dried, are in the lead among foods that lower testosterone - these fruits are almost half made up of healthy and well-digestible fruit sugar, and testosterone levels can be regulated by only 10 berries per day. There are many legends about these berries, and if at least half of all the legends are true, then even then they are magical fruits.

Some studies say that dates contain almost the entire complex of substances necessary for adequate human nutrition, and in the jungles of Africa a tribe of long-lived natives was found who, for lack of anything else, eat only grains and dates all year round. In addition to lowering testosterone, dates have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract.

Oats. The beneficial properties of oats and other grains in normalizing hormonal levels have been known since ancient times. If a girl had fuzz on her legs or above her upper lip, she was prescribed “country oatmeal-honey therapy.”

Everything is incredibly simple: slightly salted oatmeal, cooked in milk, seasoned with vegetable oil. The porridge should be eaten with white bread, generously sprinkled with honey. Attention, do not add honey to hot porridge. To prepare such dishes, it is quite possible to use all kinds of oatmeal and muesli.

Mint. Like oats, mint has a long history of use. traditional healers and healers. The enzymes created by mint in the body stop the synthesis of testosterone in the female body for some time. Modern research proven on large number experiments that 2 cups of mint tea per day can reduce and maintain testosterone in the blood serum at normal levels.

Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its functions include increasing physical endurance and sexual activity of males. However, it happens that testosterone is excessively increased in a woman, while a man suffers from its deficiency. In this case, when a woman has elevated testosterone levels, with high probability, she has health problems. Therefore, at the first signs, she needs to contact a gynecologist to find out the reason why there was a disruption in her hormonal levels. Any delay in this matter can have an extremely negative impact on the woman’s reproductive system. What is the cause of increased testosterone in women? Let's find out in this article.

What functions does testosterone perform in the female body?

This hormone is normally capable of being produced not only in the male body, but also in the female body. Undoubtedly, in men its level is much higher than in the fair half. In the female body, the content of testosterone is insignificant, but it is responsible for the following functions: functional activity of the bone marrow, figure formation female type, normal operation reproductive system, growth of muscle mass, growth of the skeletal system with physical formation, regulation of libido.

In some cases, the cause of increased testosterone lies in poor nutrition. Namely in use alcoholic drinks, white cabbage, nuts, which increase the production of this hormone in the body. These are the main reasons for elevated testosterone levels in women. But there are others.

Increased testosterone during pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her testosterone levels increase significantly, and this is the only period when such an increase is relatively safe for her. During the entire period of pregnancy, it is possible to double or even triple the level of the hormone progesterone, which is associated with its additional synthesis by the placenta. If you are pregnant with a boy, the woman will have higher testosterone levels than if you are pregnant with a girl.

However increased amount The hormone is safe only in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the first case, this will be a deviation from the norm and can lead to a frozen pregnancy.

Test to determine testosterone levels

If a woman has elevated testosterone, the causes and symptoms may be different, she needs to undergo an appropriate test to determine its level. You just need to find a laboratory that accepts tests and donate blood from a vein to conduct necessary research. Such an analysis usually costs approximately 200-1000 rubles, and a woman can find out its results within a day. To eliminate errors, you need to pay attention to the rules for submitting this analysis. First of all, it is produced from 3 to 5 and from 8 to 10 days of the menstrual cycle. The second point is to stop any physical activity And sports training, as well as avoiding worries and stress the day before the study. Well, the third point is the need to rest and quit smoking 1-2 hours before the analysis.

Following these simple rules, a woman can count on receiving the highest quality biological material for analysis, as well as the most accurate and accurate results.

If serious deviations from the corresponding norm are demonstrated and the level of the hormone in the patient’s body increases too much, you should immediately contact a specialist.

How to treat elevated hormone levels?

At elevated level testosterone hormone therapy is usually carried out using the following medicines: “Dexamethasone”, “Digostin”, “Cyproterone”, “Diethylstilbestrol”.

In addition, glucose medications are successfully used to reduce the level of this hormone: Veroshpiron, Glucophage, Siofor. These drugs contain metamorphine and spironolactone, which qualitatively suppress the synthesis of excess testosterone.

In addition, it is possible for a doctor to prescribe oral contraceptives, such as “Yarina”, “Zhanine”, “Diane 35”.

You should not self-medicate, since the female hormonal system is extremely sensitive to interfere with it without a doctor’s prescription, and there is also a high risk of developing side effects. At the end of the course of therapy, further monitoring of testosterone hormone levels will be required, since the possibility of its repeated increase cannot be ruled out.

What should nutrition be like if total testosterone is elevated in women?

The reasons must be clarified. However, in case of a slight increase, you can use a special diet. There are a number of products that short term reduce the level of this hormone. Such natural helpers include: honey, fried vegetable and meat dishes, cherries, vegetable oil, apples, wheat, rice, salt, sugar, caffeine, potatoes, full-fat milk and cream, soy products.

Consequences

The possibility of changes in the body is determined depending on how strongly the level of the hormone was increased. At slight increase a woman’s mood will only change, that is, attacks of irritability may appear, increased physical activity, she may begin to grow excess hair on her body where it shouldn’t be - on her arms, legs, above her lip.

If the increase in testosterone is significant, then more serious consequences are possible: the development of diabetes mellitus, changes in body weight, and negative changes The reproductive and reproductive systems may be affected.

When a woman’s total or free testosterone increases, this will be reflected in every area of ​​life, in her physical condition And appearance including. Then it is possible to develop various health problems. Therefore, every woman needs to remember that she should consult a specialist and undergo necessary treatment when the first signs of an increase in testosterone levels occur.

We looked at the causes and consequences of increased testosterone in women.

Testosterone is an androgen sex hormone. In the female body, it performs the function of distributing adipose tissue, regulates libido and sexual health, and is responsible for the maturation of the follicle during ovulation. Participates in the formation of bones and muscle tissue, improves mood, promotes concentration. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands.

Testosterone concentrations also fluctuate depending on the time of day. The peak occurs at morning hours, and in the evening the level of male hormone in the blood decreases significantly.

Testosterone levels in women:

Test results may vary depending on the laboratory where the test was performed. This is due to various methods research. Reference values ​​are indicated on the direction form.

Testosterone level analysis

How to determine the level of male hormone in the blood? The attending physician prescribes general analysis testosterone or free hormone test. Free androgen is not associated with transport proteins in the blood and has greater activity in the body, and the total one is complex compound, thanks to which it is transferred to distant organs.

The test is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Preparation begins 12 hours before visiting the laboratory: you must refrain from eating, drinking alcohol, and active physical activity. For women, the study is carried out on days 5–7 of the menstrual cycle, because the level of testosterone in the blood depends on the phase. The highest concentration is observed during follicle maturation.

On the 5th day after the start of menstruation, the rejection of the endometrium in the uterus stops, the tissues are completely renewed, and the balance of hormones is restored. After 5–7 days, ovulation occurs. If it is not possible to take the test on the fifth day of the cycle, it is better to postpone the procedure until the next month, otherwise the answer will be uninformative. Exceptions are special indications attending physician.

The result of the analysis can be affected by:

• taking oral contraceptives;
• treatment with hormonal drugs;
• low fat diet;
• heatstroke;
• smoking;
• sexual intercourse on the eve of the study;
• physical activity.

It is also necessary to first discuss with your doctor the possibility of discontinuing medications that can increase testosterone levels.

Causes and symptoms of high testosterone in women

What is the male hormone responsible for and why does it increase? Can affect the concentration of the hormone in the blood malignant formations ovaries or adrenal glands, long-term use steroid drugs, pregnancy. The causes also include adrenogenital syndrome - these are congenital genetic diseases, in which excessive testosterone production occurs.

Symptoms of the pathology appear in external change figures. Fat is deposited in the abdomen, waist and mammary glands. The physique takes on a masculine outline.

The first signs of increased testosterone in women:

• acne on the face and body that cannot be treated;
• seborrhea;
• the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks on the skin);
• hypersexuality;
• insomnia, nightmares;
• aggressiveness, irritability;
• increased appetite, you want to eat all the time;
• male type overweight.

What are the causes and consequences of increased testosterone in women? Excess testosterone in women contributes to the suppression of ovarian function and leads to the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics of the male type (virilism). Girls' voices become rougher, hair growth on the face, chest, legs and arms increases, sweating increases with a change in smell, hair falls out on the head, and the mammary glands, uterus and ovaries partially atrophy. Long-term use Steroid drugs also cause virilism, and symptoms persist for life.

High testosterone in the blood causes enlargement and deformation of the external genitalia. The clitoris and labia become larger and droop, resembling the male scrotum (clitoromegaly). Malfunction of the ovaries leads to problems during pregnancy, cessation of menstruation, lack of ovulation and infertility.

Due to excess testosterone, the reproductive function of the body is disrupted. The ovary, which produces the male hormone, cannot cope with its job, and problems arise with ovulation. A woman cannot conceive a child. Therefore, during pregnancy planning, studies are carried out to determine the level of sex hormones. If deviations from the norm are detected, Dexamethasone and Prednisolone are prescribed.

Pregnancy can increase testosterone levels by 3-4 times, a symptom caused by the formation of the placenta. Very high concentration of androgen on early stages(4–8 and 13–23 weeks) leads to spontaneous abortion, as the growth of the uterus stops. In women with high level androgen makes labor more difficult and disappears quickly breast milk. Pathology can also negatively affect intrauterine development child.

Reasons for low testosterone

Negatively affects female body and deficiency of male hormones. Fat burning slows down, and the ability to build muscle tissue is lost.

Reasons for decreased testosterone concentration:

• overweight;
• menopause;
• renal failure;
• inflammatory diseases of the ovaries;
• unbalanced diet;
• bad habits;
• Down syndrome.

This condition causes depression, chronic fatigue, there is no sexual desire, sweating increases, rapid weight loss occurs, and blood pressure decreases.

Helps restore hormonal levels replacement therapy testosterone treatment reduces age-related androgen deficiency by stimulating the ovaries to produce testosterone. The hormone comes in tablets or ampoules for injection. Andriol and Methyltestosterone are prescribed in capsule form. Treatment is long-term and can take more than 1 year. As a result, blood pressure is normalized, the patient’s general well-being, and work nervous system, metabolic processes.

How to lower testosterone levels

What to do if the concentration of male hormone in the blood is increased? It is important to adhere to a special balanced diet. Foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates are added to the diet, but these should not be quickly broken down sugars. Preference should be given to the following foods that affect testosterone in women:

• whole grain porridge;
• dairy products;
• fresh vegetables;
• fruits;
• eggs;
• seafood;
• legumes;
• nuts;
• lean meats and fish;

Protein should account for about 40% of your daily calorie intake.

Moderate exercise, active recreation, and reflexology help treat high testosterone. It is important to follow a daily routine, ensure proper night sleep. As complementary therapy you can drink tea from decoctions medicinal herbs, beneficial properties possesses lemon balm, licorice root, angelica.

Pharmaceutical assistance

Restore normal level testosterone at very high rates possible using drug therapy. The endocrinologist prescribes a specific course of treatment, taking into account the severity and causes of hormonal imbalance. Typically used:

• Diethylstilbestrol;
• Cyproterone;
• corticosteroids.

Glucose, which causes secretion, can lower the hormone.

Treatment with Dexamethasone for elevated testosterone affects carbohydrate and protein metabolism. But the medicine can cause side effects in the form of arrhythmia, decreased immunity. Therefore, therapy is carried out only as prescribed by a doctor. When normalizing testosterone levels, it is necessary to constantly monitor hormonal levels, because after withdrawal medications, androgen may rise again.

The normal level of the sex hormone testosterone in women depends on the state of the reproductive system. Long-term violation androgen concentration in the blood leads to a decrease reproductive function, miscarriage and male body shape changes.

References

1. Weinberg E. G., Makarova O. S., Sabakhgarashvili M. Ya. et al. About the clinic of primary hyperprolactinemia in women
2. Secrets of endocrinology: textbook. manual: trans. from English – 2nd ed., rev. and additional – M.: BINOM; St. Petersburg : Nevsky Dialect, 2001. – 464 p. : ill.
3. Guide to pediatric endocrinology / Ivan Ivanovich Dedov, Valentina Aleksandrovna Peterkova. – M.: Universum Publishing, 2006. – 595 p. : ill.
4. Mikhailov V.S. Food culture. - M.: Profizdat, 2000.
5. Kolman Y., Rem K. - G., Visual biochemistry // Hormones. Hormonal system. - 2000. - pp. 358-359, 368-375.

⚕️Melikhova Olga Aleksandrovna - endocrinologist, 2 years of experience.

Deals with issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of organ diseases endocrine system: thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, gonads, parathyroid glands, thymus gland etc.