Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group, which is contained in both the male and female body, although in a significant amount, 4-12 times less. The deviation of hormone levels from the norm is noticeably reflected not only on the state of the woman's health, but also on her appearance.
Functions
Testosterone is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands and ovaries. The minimum amount is produced in the placenta and skin. The regulation of hormone production is carried out by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Androgenic hormone in women is responsible for:
- dimensions, anatomical position and function of the reproductive system,
- generative function of the ovaries( formation of the egg),
- sexual attraction,
- skeleton formation,
- bone density,
- volume and muscle mass,
- development of adipose tissue,
- function of sebaceous glands,
- skin condition,
- nitrogen and phosphoric exchange,
- increases the synthesis and decomposition of protein,
- for the risk of cardiovascular diseases and in particular atherosclerosis,
- anabolic(synthesis of proteins, insulin, endorphins),
- takes part in the synthesis of lipoproteins in the liver,
- digestion of minerals and water,
- control of blood sugar,
- stress resistance,
- endurance,
- effect on cognitive function.
Level of hormone
The level of testosterone is subject to endogenous( external) and exogenous( internal) effects.
The hormone level in women varies not only throughout life, but also during the month, year. There are also daily fluctuations in the amount of testosterone. The norm of this hormone in women is considered to be 0.36-1.97 nmol / l. However, this rate is indicated for a female body older than 13 years and under the age of 45-50.But even in this age range, the level of the hormone fluctuates to a considerable extent. Within a month, the testosterone level for women of childbearing age is normally:
- the permissible limits of the norm are 0.45-3.75 nmol / l
- average value is 0.29-3.18 pg / ml
- in the phase of follicle formation( 1-7day of the menstrual cycle) - 0.45-3.17 pg / ml;
- in the phase of ovulation - 0.46-2.48 pg / ml;
- after the end of the cycle - 0,29-1,73 pg / ml.
During pregnancy, the level of the hormone rises to the III trimester and can exceed the specified rate by 3-4 times. During the menopause, the amount of testosterone decreases and is 0.28-1.22 nmol / L.Up to puberty, testosterone in girls does not exceed 0.98 nmol / l. The maximum value of the level of the hormone is noted in the morning, the minimum value in the evening.
Free and bound testosterone
Testosterone binds in plasma with transport proteins - specifically with globulin and non-specifically - with albumin. And in the free( unbound) state is only 1-2% of the hormone. Protein-bound testosterone forms a stock( pool) of a hormone that is not subject to metabolism and clearance.
The free-matter rate indicator also varies throughout life. The minimum reference( within the limits of the norm) value of free hormone is observed in girls under 9 years( 0.06-1.7 pg / ml).The maximum amount of free testosterone is in the blood plasma of girls in post-pubertal( from 13 to 18 years) period and is 4.1 pg / ml. The level of free testosterone for pregnant women is not established, but it also rises in the III trimester.
When determining the amount of total testosterone, the amount of the hormone in the bound and free state is taken into account. Its reference value in women over 18 years is 0.24-2.7 nmol / l. Laboratory studies take into account both testosterone states, since the ratio of hormone fractions varies with different states of the body and can become an informative indicator for pathology.
Therefore, in order to correctly estimate the amount of the hormone, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors.
Factors Affecting Testosterone Level
To decrease testosterone levels in the blood plasma, women are affected by:
1. Endogenous( external) factors of influence:
- violation of the regime and quality of nutrition( starvation, cheese-smoking, vegetarianism, diets, etc.);
- large amount of carbohydrates;
- food rich Mg, Zn;
- some medicines( hormonal, oral contraceptives, antimycotic, anticonvulsant, immunosuppressants, antiulcer, etc.);
- some medicinal plants( peppermint, klopogon, licorice, dwarf palm);
- low or high physical activity;
- obesity;
- stress;
- alcoholism;
- a rare stay in the sun;
- low sexual activity.
2. Exogenous( internal factors):
- genetics;
- pathology of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
- of the endocrine system;
- is some autoimmune disease;
- adrenal pathology;
- of the neoplasm in the ovaries;
- natural age changes.
Scientists say that the influence on the state of the body is not the level of hormones, but the sensitivity of androgen receptors. Despite the lower concentration in comparison with the level of hormone in men, the receptors of the female body are more sensitive, which explains the great importance of testosterone in women. The low content of the hormone is enhanced by the production of estrogens.
Symptoms of low level
When testosterone levels drop, the following symptoms are noted:
- fat deposits in the lower abdomen, on the arms and in the neck;
- the skin becomes dry and thin;
- hair becomes brittle, sekutsya, drop out, lose shine;
- decreases or there is no sexual desire;
- weakens the vocal cords, changes the tone and strength of the voice;
- increased fatigue, fatigue, apathy;
- irritability, tearfulness;
- depression;
- fragility of bones;
- infertility;
- increased sweating;
- "tides";
- sleep disorder;
- rapid pulse;
- decrease in muscle mass;
- impairment of cognitive abilities( memory, concentration, thinking, understanding, spatial orientation, etc.).
Low testosterone provokes a decrease in the amount of lubricant, so the sexual act causes discomfort and leads to avoiding sexual contact. The influence of stress on the body leads to a decrease in the level of testosterone, which in turn has a detrimental effect on the psychological state of women. A vicious circle is formed.
A drop in testosterone in the blood plasma can lead to a number of serious diseases.
Diseases
Low testosterone provokes:
- endometriosis;
- malignant neoplasms of the breast;
- diabetes mellitus;
- pathology of the cardiovascular system;
- Osteoporosis.
A lowered level of the hormone is not a verdict. It can be improved with complex treatment, using hormone replacement therapy, phytopreparations, normalizing nutrition and physical activity. Increase low testosterone can eliminate stress factors, normalizing the rest regime, eliminating bad habits. Symptoms that correspond to a lowered level of testosterone may indicate other diseases. Therefore, only laboratory diagnostics will provide objective information. It is not necessary to decipher the testimony independently, as only an experienced specialist will take into account all the factors and make adequate conclusions - whether the testosterone is lowered by pathology or is caused by natural causes.
