What You Need To Know About Testosterone Levels

Testosterone levels depend on age, sex, and general health. Genetically, men have higher testosterone levels compared with women. Testosterone is a hormone known as androgen. While most people consider testosterone as a male sex hormone, females also have it, though at much lower levels. The difference is that in females, it’s converted into estradiol, a sex hormone.

Testosterone in males is produced by the testes, while in females, it’s produced by the ovaries. The adrenal glands also produce tiny amounts of testosterone for both genders.

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Role of Testosterone in Females

• Balancing other hormonal levels
• New blood cell regeneration
• Fertility and sex drive boost
• Muscles and bone strengthening

Role of Testosterone In Males

• Development at the puberty stage
• Boosts sex drive
• Healthy heart functionality
• Creation of sperms
• Muscle and bone strengthening

Before turning to the next page to explore the dangers of low or high testosterone levels, you must understand the normal ranges for testosterone levels. Testosterone levels are measured by ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter); throughout your life, your testosterone levels will keep fluctuating.

The table below shows the normal testosterone levels in different age groups.

Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Of Low Testosterone Levels In Men

By the age of 45, men will naturally have reduced testosterone levels. But this shouldn’t be cause for alarm. However, if other symptoms accompany the low level, it may cause concern and warrant a visit to your physician. These symptoms will include decreased muscle strength and mass, poor sex drive, decreased erections, and unexplained fatigue.

Several diseases also aid in low testosterone levels, including high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, high cholesterol, HIV and AIDS, and long-term use of opioids.

It may be hard to detect low testosterone levels, especially if you present none of the conditions above. Other times, some men may have low levels but none of the diseases listed, making it hard to tell the exact cause of the low testosterone levels. This is why it’s essential to have regular checkups and take preventive measures to keep your testosterone levels normal.

How Can You Keep Steady Testosterone Levels?

One of the ways you can maintain a steady testosterone level is by having a complete lifestyle overhaul. Shed any extra weight, include regular exercise in your daily schedule, reduce alcohol, avoid smoking, have healthy balanced meals, avoid stress, and get enough sleep daily.

If the above strategies fail, your doctor may recommend testosterone therapy. The therapy will include muscle injection every two weeks, implantation of hormonal pellets every few months, daily skin patch application, or tablets to be taken as recommended by your doctor.

Low Testosterone In Women

Low testosterone level in females is the leading cause of irregular menstrual cycles, poor sex drive, dry vagina during intercourse, osteoporosis, and fertility problems.  Low levels are attributed to age and menopause for women. Sometimes, issues with the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, and ovaries will result in low testosterone. If you’re put on oral estrogen as you approach menopause, there are chances it’ll reduce your testosterone as well.

It’s rare for men to have abnormally high testosterone levels. The higher the levels, the better. But unusually high testosterone levels are a concern for females as it comes with a few problems.

One of the dangers of high testosterone levels in females is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). When ovaries produce a lot of testosterone, it causes PCOS. Symptoms include acne, irregular menstrual periods, and unusual hair growth on the back, face, and chest.

Anabolic steroids are similar to natural testosterone and are commonly used to build muscles and gain weight. However, you should also note that long-term use of steroids is a major cause of high testosterone. Excessive use alters testosterone levels and inhibits your body from producing its natural testosterone. This will affect your sperm count and sex drive and encourage baldness or abnormal hair growth.

How Do You Take A Testosterone Test?

You’ll undergo a blood test to test your testosterone. Your doctor may suggest you do the test in the morning because your testosterone levels are at their highest. The timing may vary for different people, and some may be required to retake the test to confirm their levels.

Conclusion

If you feel your testosterone levels are high or low, it’s good to seek a medical opinion. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate tests and put you on the right treatment plan depending on your underlying conditions. Don’t self-diagnose and begin replacement therapy alone because the side effects could be worse than the initial problem.

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