How to find out if you have normal or high testosterone levels

Testosterone is referred to as the male sex hormone, but it’s an important hormone for women to keep tabs on, too. Keep reading to learn why.

Why are testosterone levels important for women?

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development of genitals and secondary sex characteristics (like body hair and vocal pitch) in men. But there’s also testosterone in women... and it plays a huge role in reproductive health — as well as bone strength and libido.

In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. This hormone is crucial in the development of follicles — or the cellular structures that house and release eggs.

To put it simply: When it comes to fertility, testosterone levels are super important.

Diagram of ovaries and uterus — Testosterone is produced in the adrenals and ovaries

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in women?

Before we get into symptoms, let’s talk about causes. Testosterone levels naturally decrease as a woman ages, but low testosterone can also occur when the ovaries stop producing the hormone for other reasons — like primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries).

Here’s what women with low testosterone levels can experience:

Diminished sex drive
Diminished bone strength
Reduced ability to concentrate
Depression or other mood changes

What are the symptoms of high testosterone in women?

Testosterone levels in women may rise because of genetic disorders, ovarian or adrenal cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or early onset of puberty.

Here’s what women with high testosterone levels can experience:

Hirsutism, or excessive body hair
Acne
Irregular periods
Infertility

How do normal testosterone levels change over time?

A few studies have shown that total testosterone levels decrease throughout a woman’s reproductive years.

After menopause, though, testosterone levels are thought to remain stable — or even increase slightly after age 60.

Testosterone levels by age — Female testosterone levels with age

Can you test your testosterone levels?

Yep — and Modern Fertility makes it easy to check in with your hormone levels at home. Depending on your birth control, you can test up to eight hormones, including testosterone, and get customized, physician-reviewed reports based on your results. Here’s what else you’ll get:

A free 1:1 consult with our fertility nurse
Online tools to track hormone changes over time and help you plan your timeline for kids
Access to our weekly live Q&As
An invite to the Modern Community to connect with others and get your questions answered

TEST YOUR T

Testosterone test online reports — Testosterone testing can provide insight into fertility

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