Normal Testosterone Levels in Women: What Every Woman Should Know

Hormones are substances produced in the human body that are vital for normal functioning. One of the most well-known hormones is testosterone, which might be hard for you to believe, but it is present in both the male and the female body. But how much testosterone is actually there in the female body? And what is it responsible for? In the following article, we will discuss what normal testosterone levels in women look like, the importance of this hormone for the female body, and answer the questions you have been looking for.

Do Women Have Testosterone in their bodies?

Testosterone is a hormone that belongs to a group known as androgens. Thanks to its increased production during puberty, certain changes begin to take over the male body. These changes include body and facial hair growth, increased energy levels, an increase in muscle mass, an increase in sexual desire, regulation of sperm production, and changes in behavior. Testosterone is considered to be the main male reproductive hormone produced in the testicles.

However, despite popular beliefs, the female body produces small amounts of testosterone as well. Where does testosterone come from in women? It’s produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands. This is similar to how male bodies contain small amounts of the estrogen hormone. So testosterone is present in the female body as well, although its levels are not anything like those in the male body.

What Is a Normal Testosterone Level in Women?

So what are considered to be normal testosterone levels in women? It has been suggested that young women have only 10% of the testosterone levels that are present in male bodies. But things change by the time women turn 40. By the age of 40, women are suggested to have half the amount of testosterone that is present in the male body at the same age. By the time women reach menopause, some of them are thought to have even higher levels of testosterone compared to men at the same age.

For men, normal testosterone levels are considered anything between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), which is much higher than what is present in the female body. The normal range for testosterone in women is around 15 to 70 nanograms per deciliter. Of course, as we mentioned earlier, these numbers change with age.

Low and high testosterone levels are noticed among men and women as well, caused by various factors. But before we discuss the effects and causes of low and high testosterone levels. First, let’s review what testosterone does in the female body.

What Does Testosterone Do in Women?

Normal testosterone levels are essential for women as well as for men. Here are some of the most important testosterone effects in the female body so that you can understand its importance better.

• It enhances your cognitive abilities. A study published in 2014 found that testosterone replacement therapy has helped women increase their low testosterone levels and, with that, enhance their cognitive abilities. In addition, since testosterone and estrogen have been found to be present in low levels among female patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it has been suggested that increasing these levels would help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

• It keeps the bones strong and healthy. Since postmenopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis, it is considered that maintaining their testosterone levels within the normal range would help in preventing fractures and preserving bone health. Scientific research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging has discovered that testosterone is essential as it promotes bone health.

• It maintains the female libido within healthy levels. Normal testosterone levels are what maintain the female libido high and strong. As in men, testosterone provides women with a high libido, sexual stamina, and energy levels, which are all vital for a satisfying sex life.

Symptoms and Causes of Low Testosterone in Women

Similar to how estrogen production starts to decline with the aging process, testosterone production starts to decline as well between the ages of 20 and 40. What is considered low testosterone in women? Generally, levels below 15 ng/dL may indicate low testosterone, though this varies by laboratory standards.

Low testosterone levels in females are linked to:

• A decline in libido and sexual stamina
• Vaginal dryness
• Weak bones with an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis
• Menstrual period problems, including irregular or missed periods
• Fertility issues
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Mood changes, including depression

Can Low Testosterone Cause Weight Gain in Women?

Many women wonder whether low testosterone can cause weight gain. The answer is yes — low testosterone levels in women have been associated with increased body fat, particularly around the midsection. This happens because testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass and regulating metabolism. When levels drop, women may notice they gain weight more easily, even without changes in diet or exercise habits.

Symptoms and Causes of High Testosterone in Women

On the other hand, testosterone levels might be higher than usual due to various reasons. What causes high testosterone in women? Menopause is one common factor. During this period, women experience hormonal changes with a decline in estrogen and progesterone, the main female reproductive hormones, which can lead to a relative increase in testosterone levels.

Apart from menopause, other conditions reported to cause high testosterone levels include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Use of anabolic steroids
• Certain tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands

High testosterone levels can lead to serious health issues, including insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The symptoms of high testosterone levels in women include:

• Acne
• Increased muscle mass
• Mood changes
• Irregular periods
• Deepening of the voice
• Loss of libido
• Increased presence of facial and body hair

Does Testosterone Cause Hair Loss in Women?

One question many women ask is whether testosterone causes hair loss. High testosterone levels can indeed contribute to hair thinning or loss on the scalp, a condition sometimes called androgenic alopecia. Interestingly, while high testosterone may cause hair loss on the head, it often causes increased hair growth on the face and body. This is because hair follicles in different areas of the body respond differently to androgens.

Does Testosterone Cause Weight Gain in Women?

The relationship between testosterone and weight in women is complex. While low testosterone can lead to weight gain due to decreased muscle mass, high testosterone can also contribute to weight changes. Women with conditions like PCOS, which involves elevated testosterone, often struggle with weight management and may experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This is partly related to insulin resistance that often accompanies high testosterone levels.

How to Treat Abnormal Testosterone Levels