Testosterone is an androgenic hormone.He is considered the main male hormone, which is responsible for sexual signs and even behavioral reactions. In the female body, there is also testosterone, only in a much lower concentration. The cause of increased testosterone in women - a failure in the formation of this hormone. All this can lead to changes in appearance and various diseases.
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by Leydig cells in men, in women - by ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands - in all people.
In the female body, he regulates the function of the sebaceous glands, the formation of bones and the activity of the bone marrow, as well as sexual desire, mood and, most importantly, the growth and development of follicles.
In women, testosterone plays a key role inthe period of puberty: under his influence there is a growth of hair in the pubic and axillary areas. In addition, this hormone regulates the functions of many organs, including the reproductive tract, bone tissue, kidneys, liver and muscles. Adult women need androgens for the synthesis of estrogens, and it has been proven that they prevent loss of bone mass and are responsible for sexual desire and satisfaction.
Without this hormone it is impossible to functionall systems and organs. But it is much more dangerous for women to deviate from the norm (low or high testosterone levels), which can be caused by exposure to many adverse factors or various diseases.
Ovarian tumors and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause increased production of androgens.
The main cause of increased testosterone inwomen - this is the wrong work of the adrenal glands and gonads. In addition to PCOS, another cause of increased testosterone in women (called hyperandrogenia) is the hereditary overgrowth of the adrenal cortex and other dysfunctions of these glands. Medications, such as anabolic steroids, which are sometimes abused by bodybuilders and other athletes to increase productivity, can also be the cause of symptoms of hyperandrogenism.
With a sharp weight loss, malnutrition andsignificant physical exertion also occurs a failure in the system of hormone formation. We can not say about the hereditary predisposition, the effect of certain hormonal drugs, hypothyroidism. Ovulation is also a cause of increased testosterone in women.
Excess amount of androgens canto present a problem, as a result of which such symptoms of masculinization as acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth in unsuitable places, such as the chin or upper lip, chest), thinning of the hair on the head (alopecia), seborrhea are possible.
It is interesting to note:such violations are possible not only in adults, but also in young girls. Because of this, parents should pay special attention to the development of their daughter, and in the event that there is even the smallest doubt, immediately you need to turn to the endocrinologist. If you miss this moment and do not take action, then the figure can find masculine features, and subsequently it will be impossible to change anything.
About 10 percent of women with a high leveltestosterone have PCOS, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, lack of menstruation, infertility, impaired blood sugar (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus), and in some cases, excessive hair. Most women with this disease are overweight and even obese.
Increased testosterone levels, regardless ofWhether a woman has polycystic ovary syndrome or not has serious health consequences, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
With a sharp increase in the blood content of testosterone in the female body begins the processes that can lead to ovarian dysfunction, menstrual failures, lack of ovulation, infertility.
During pregnancy there is a risk of severecourse, fetal death and frequent complications during childbirth. In addition, the probability of the formation of various tumors on the ovaries increases dramatically.
The researchers provided evidence thatthat increasing testosterone affects habits and temperament. Such representatives of the weaker sex have a heightened desire for rivalry, domination, gambling and drinking alcohol. But it is necessary to recognize that high testosterone always leads to a change in appearance, and the internal state is not transformed in all cases. It depends on the psychological causes, genetics and education.
One of the potential complications is hightestosterone in women is manifested in the form of depression and increased aggressiveness. This is characteristic not only of women, but also of girls in the pre-pubertal period.
При беременности показатель тестостерона increases quickly enough. During this period, the placenta produces an additional portion of the hormone in question, and this is the norm. But it is necessary to recognize that on the terms of 4-8 weeks and from 13 to 20 weeks miscarriage or fetal death may occur if testosterone is elevated in the blood. In women, the treatment of hyperandrogenism, if it is detected in time, will help the normal bearing of the fetus.
Many gynecologists, reinsuring, spendhormone therapy, aimed at reducing the level of testosterone in the blood, because during pregnancy it increases by 3-4 times. This is not always justified, since the placenta has the important ability to convert testosterone to estrogen, protecting the mother and baby from the effects of hormones. It is interesting to note that hyperandrogenism is rare in pregnant women, but nevertheless one should be especially attentive to one's body and new sensations.
By taking blood from a vein on an empty stomach,research on testosterone. The day of the cycle does not matter, but it is recommended that the analysis not be carried out during menstruation. Preliminary training consists of avoiding alcohol, smoking, sex, hard physical work and taking certain drugs. You should be aware that alcoholism and certain liver diseases can lower testosterone levels. Drugs, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, clomiphene, androgens, and anabolic steroids can also lower testosterone levels. About all drugs that you take, you must inform the doctor conducting the study.
How to lower testosterone?This is a fairly simple, but not necessarily easy way for most women: all you need to do is eat less sugar and refined carbohydrates. The reason is that an excess of these elements causes an increase in blood sugar levels, which, in turn, causes the growth of insulin, which stimulates the ovaries to produce male hormones. Additional moderate exercise will help even more. Artificial sweeteners do not work because they stimulate insulin production.
It is necessary to use tofu - bean curd. It is very rich in phytoestrogens that support hormonal balance in the blood.
Полиненасыщенные жирные кислоты, растительные Oils - these are the necessary nutrients that will help in deciding how to lower testosterone. Good helps daily drinking green tea with the addition of mint.
If testosterone is elevated in women, treatmentdrugs is the appointment of hormonal drugs: "Diane-35", "Metipred" and "Dexamethasone", "Yarin". The medication is prescribed by a doctor after finding out the main cause of hyperandrogenism.
