Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone.
It is also present in women.
Though testosterone is considered a male sex hormone, it is also present in people assigned female at birth.
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A person assigned female at birth experiences fluctuating levels of testosterone throughout the lifetime.
Oscar Wong/ Getty Images
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts but differ.
What Should a Womans Testosterone Level Be?
The body needs testosterone to produce newred blood cells, regulate hormone levels, and balance mood.
Main Causes
A person may experiencelow testosterone levelsbecause of natural declines or a chronic health condition.
Testosterone naturally decreases in women and people assigned female at birth over time.
Other hormones, includingestrogen, also naturally decline over time.
Low testosterone levels may indicate a problem with theovaries,adrenal glands, orpituitary gland.
The ovaries produce testosterone, and as the ovaries lose function duringmenopause, testosterone levels decrease.
Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the month in people who have not undergone menopause yet.
Your healthcare provider will recommend a time in your menstrual cycle to test your testosterone levels.
Your provider will also perform a thorough physical exam.
Treatment Options and Their Side Effects
Treatment options are available for people with low testosterone levels.
The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and increase energy levels and sex drive.
It is also important for the overall health of women and people assigned female at birth.
The body needs testosterone to produce new red blood cells, support muscle health, and maintain bone mass.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your testosterone levels.
Treatment options are available.
Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before starting testosterone therapy.
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