A healthy testosterone level will vary between people based on factors such as age and sex. The best time to have the test is in the morning when testosterone levels in the blood are usually highest. In males, this testosterone excess can also decrease the amount of sperm the body makes, which may lead to infertility or loss of sex drive. Typical levels vary depending on age, sex, and health. Adult males typically have between 265 and 923 nanograms per deciliter of testosterone (ng/dL) in their blood, while adult females have far less. While it’s known that many men with low testosterone levels, often referred to as T levels, can be asymptomatic, the effects of low testosterone in women are not as well studied. However, research reveals that some pre-menopausal women with high testosterone levels may be asymptomatic, meaning they never experience symptoms. "There are no established optimal testosterone levels for women, so most clinicians use a lab reference range to diagnose a woman with high testosterone," Dr. Dorr says. In comparison, normal testosterone levels for men ages 19 years and older are typically between 240–950 ng/dL. While there’s a clinical reference on "healthy" levels of testosterone, there’s no established information on the optimal range to diagnose abnormal levels in women. To measure testosterone levels, a woman can have a testosterone blood test ordered by a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician, OB-GYN, or endocrinologist. Aside from medical treatment, there are lifestyle changes women can make to help lower their testosterone levels. High levels of testosterone in females may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, ovarian tumors, or hermaphroditism (having both female and male sex organs). It’s natural for testosterone levels to vary depending on your age and overall health. Late-onset male hypogonadism happens when the decline in testosterone levels is linked to general aging and/or age-related conditions, particularly obesity and Type 2 diabetes. As testosterone in your blood increases, it suppresses the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which helps maintain normal levels of testosterone. It’s okay for testosterone levels to fluctuate for women in different stages of life. While testosterone replacement therapy may provide better results in improving testosterone levels, some may want to know how to treat low testosterone in a woman naturally. Here’s a look at medical and non-medical, natural treatments for low testosterone in females. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of low testosterone, it’s still good to get a blood test annually, she says. Our simple test gets mailed to your home and uses a few drops of blood to test for a wide range of biological markers, that are crucial to understanding your hormonal levels. "Testosterone has a mood stabilizing effect, so as it decreases, anxiety can arise." There are a couple of science-backed ways to help you boost testosterone levels naturally. This also happens if you have your ovaries removed or damaged before age 40, resulting in early menopause. When something goes wrong with your pituitary gland, less estrogen is made. Your pituitary gland is key to your ovaries making estrogen. This condition can cause your ovaries to slow or stop production of estrogen. Estrogen is a class of related hormones that includes estriol, estradiol, and estrone. As they travel through your body, they control many bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. Also testosterone is known to stimulate growth of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with the condition. Older observational studies suggested that long term testosterone use could increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. A relatively small number of men experience immediate side effects of testosterone supplementation, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping (worsening sleep apnea), breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. Marketers urge men to talk to their doctors if they have certain "possible signs" that mean they could need low-T treatment. No matter which test method you choose, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your results and go over options for potential next steps. If you have a hard time with needles or blood samples, a saliva test may be an alternative. Doctors measure testosterone in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). If your result is borderline or abnormal, you may be asked to repeat it to confirm. Even well before you’re born, your testes start to produce small amounts of testosterone . It’s particularly important during puberty, where it triggers many physical and metabolic changes in the body.
