Endocrinologist Dr. Lydia Bendyukova points out that testosterone plays an important role in the female body, as it is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and helps maintain sexual desire.
"Women produce less testosterone than men, but it's no less important for them because too much or too little of it can cause serious problems in the body," she says.
Dr. Bendyukova explains that this hormone is produced primarily in the adrenal glands and ovaries, where it plays an effective role in regulating the menstrual cycle in conjunction with estrogen and progesterone.
She adds: “The level of the hormone in the blood depends on the woman’s age, but it may be affected by several factors, including:
-lifestyle
-Diet
-physical activity
-Medications taken by women
The doctor explains: "A healthy person's hormone levels are subject to daily fluctuations, following the circadian rhythm (biological clock), peaking in the early morning and declining significantly as evening approaches."
She also confirms that hormone concentrations in women change according to the different stages of the menstrual cycle, noting that levels exceeding 1.72 nanomoles/liter are considered high in women between the ages of 18 and 50.
The doctor explains that testosterone production begins before puberty at low concentrations, and then fluctuates during puberty between 0.52 and 1.72 nanomoles/liter. It's worth noting that hormone levels may:
-It rises during pregnancy to 3-4 times the normal level.
-It decreases significantly with the onset of menopause.
The expert advises women who suspect hyperandrogenism (excess male hormones) to consult an endocrinologist for the necessary tests, which include:
-Measuring hormone levels in the blood
-Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) test
-Other specialized tests
She notes that polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women, while other causes may include:
-congenital disorders of the adrenal cortex
-Ovarian or adrenal tumors
High testosterone levels are accompanied by a set of distinct symptoms:
-Menstrual disorders (which may lead to amenorrhea)
-Ovulation stops and the resulting fertility problems
Changes in appearance include:
-Excessive hair growth in a male pattern (on the face, chest, abdomen)
-acne
-Excessive sebum secretion in the skin
-Hair loss according to male pattern baldness.