Normal levels of testosterone and estrogen in women

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Tuyet Mai - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Testosterone is not only found in men. The ovaries in women produce both hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Relatively small amounts of testosterone are released into the bloodstream by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones that play a role in the development of gonads, not only that, but these hormones also affect other organ tissues in the body.

Hormones or hormones are chemical substances that are secreted into body fluids by one or a group of cells and have an effect on other cells or the entire body. In essence, hormones are chemical messengers.
The amount and concentration of hormones change every day, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are secreted in short bursts, changing from hour to hour, even minute to minute. The release of hormones varies from day to night, from one menstrual cycle to another.

Estrogens are a group of related hormones that include: estriol, estradiol, and estrone.
Estriol is made from the placenta. It is produced during pregnancy. Estradiol is the main sex hormone produced by women during childbirth. It is formed from the development of ovarian follicles. Estradiol is responsible for female characteristics and sexual function. In addition, estradiol is important for women's bone health. Estradiol contributes to most gynecological problems, including endometriosis and fibroids and even cancer in women. Estrone spreads throughout the body. This is the primary estrogen after menopause.

Why do estrogen levels drop? There are several causes of low estrogen levels, including:
Hypogonadism Hypopituitarism Miscarriage Pre-menopause and menopause (estradiol) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Anorexia nervosa (disorder) diet) Excessive exercise Use certain groups of drugs such as clomiphene In addition, some women reduce estrogen during childbirth and breastfeeding. Why are athletes at risk for low estrogen? Women with low body fat often do not produce enough sex hormones. This can be a problem for women such as athletes, models and gymnasts or those with eating disorders. These women are at increased risk of osteoporosis, which is brittle and fragile bones after menopause. Estrogen levels drop with menopause? Estrogen levels drop as a woman goes through menopause. This is a natural transition for all women between the ages of 40 and 55. A drop in estrogen can happen suddenly in young women who have had their ovaries removed, also known as surgical menopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. The first natural decline in estrogen levels begins during this period. Other physiological changes also begin. Women going through perimenopause may experience weight gain along with other menopausal symptoms. For example, there may be irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. On average, menopause occurs at age 51. At that time, a woman's body produces less estrogen and progesterone. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Hot flashes Night sweats Vaginal dryness or itching Decrease or loss of sex drive Some women experience mood swings . That may or may not be related to a drop in estrogen levels. Lower estrogen levels may also increase a woman's risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and fracture. Why do estrogen levels increase? During puberty, estrogen levels increase, this hormone plays an important role in the development of breasts, creating soft curves for the body, fuller hips, pubic hair, armpit hair. High estrogen levels in overweight and obese women. Estrogen levels increase in a healthy pregnancy. Estrogen is increased in people with ovarian tumors or adrenal tumors. In addition, certain medications such as steroids, ampicillin, estrogen-containing drugs, phenothiazines, and tetracyclines can increase estrogen levels.

If your body produces too much testosterone, you may have irregular or missed periods. In addition, high testosterone causes acne, hirsutism, a larger clitoris, increased muscle growth, and a deeper voice.
High testosterone levels can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine condition sometimes seen in women of childbearing age who have difficulty getting pregnant. Women with PCOS have symptoms similar to those with high testosterone levels, including:
Obesity Too thin hair Acne Irregular periods Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder associated with:
High elevated male hormone levels Insulin resistance Carbohydrate intolerance - a condition that makes you more likely to gain weight Low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) High levels of Triglycerides High levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) Obesity High blood pressure In older women If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, the presence of these risk factors increases your risk of heart disease.
During menopause, women experience a decline in testosterone. That decline may be correlated with a decrease in sex drive. Some studies indicate that testosterone replacement therapy may benefit sexual function in some premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Testosterone replacement therapy is not used for women with breast or uterine cancer. It may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease or liver disease.

To check sex hormone levels, customers need to go to specialized medical facilities for specific examination. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and evaluate your health and symptoms to determine if further testing is needed to check hormone levels. These tests are important if you have polycystic ovary syndrome or have stopped menstruating because of excessive exercise or anorexia nervosa. If tests show abnormal hormone levels, your doctor can prescribe effective treatment.