What is the Normal Level of Testosterone in a Woman?

Female Testosterone Levels: What’s Normal and Why It Matters

Testosterone is generally thought of as a male hormone, but women produce it too. Even though the level of testosterone is much lower in women, it still plays a key role in their bodies. It helps to regulate mood and support muscle and bone strength and has an active effect on the sex drive.

How Much Testosterone Do Women Generally Have?

The normal range for total testosterone in adult women is approximately 0.3 to 2.0 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) for total testosterone. Free testosterone is the unbound, biologically active fraction, it is 0.03 to 0.3 nmol/L.

Importance of Testosterone for Women

Testosterone is frequently linked to men, but it is vital for women as well. Even though present in smaller amounts, it regulates these important functions of the body:

• Maintains Muscle Strength – Testosterone helps preserve lean muscles. It keeps them firm and actively supports muscle strength.
• Supports Bone Development – It also plays an important role in supporting bone development and maintaining bone density. This helps lower the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Boosts Energy Levels – Having healthy testosterone levels improves stamina. Women tend to feel less tired and more active throughout the day.
• Enhances Mood – Testosterone influences the brain chemicals which affect mood. It helps to reduce feelings of irritability and anxiety.
• Improves Mental Clarity – Low levels of testosterone cause brain fog and forgetfulness. On the contrary, having normal testosterone levels is essential for quick thinking, memory and focus.
• Regulates Sex Drive – Testosterone directly affects a woman’s sex drive. Lower levels lead to a reduced interest in having sex.
• Balances Hormones - It works along with other hormones as well. A balance like that supports overall health.
• Affects Skin and Hair – Testosterone helps to keep the skin and hair strong. Its imbalances lead to hair thinning and dry skin.

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels

Here is an overview of some of the common causes of low testosterone levels in women:

• Natural Ageing : As women age, particularly post-menopause, their hormone levels naturally decline. Testosterone levels, which are at their highest in a woman who is in their 20s and 30s, generally decline as they enter perimenopause and menopause. A decline like this leads to symptoms like reduced libido, mood changes and low energy.
• Ovarian Dysfunction : Having conditions like premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to a significant impact on the levels of testosterone. In PCOS, an imbalance of the reproductive hormones makes the ovaries produce higher levels of androgens. It includes testosterone as well, but the body's ability to utilise or balance out such hormones gets disrupted.
• Chronic Illnesses : Conditions like HIV, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes affect the production and regulation of testosterone. These diseases interfere with the functioning of organs that normally regulate hormone production. It leads to a drop in testosterone levels.
• Certain Medications : Taking medications like corticosteroids and oral oestrogens can interfere with the production of testosterone. These drugs alter the hormonal balance in the body. It reduces the availability or effectiveness of testosterone.

Testosterone plays a major role in the health of women. It influences mood, libido, energy and muscle strength. Understanding normal testosterone levels is essential for well-being and leading a healthy life.