The Effect of Testosterone Anabolism in Women

Testosterone is the predominant hormone responsible for male development and masculine growth characteristics. Both men and women, however, produce testosterone, though in different amounts. Women's ovaries naturally produce a very small quantity. Testosterone anabolism refers to the metabolism of testosterone in the production of body tissue. When women have elevated levels of testosterone, their bodies synthesize that testosterone and begin using it for tissue growth and body functions.

Causes

• A higher production of testosterone indicates a medical problem. Women are more sensitive to this hormone and experience significant physiological changes from elevated levels.

  One cause of testosterone anabolism in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, which is the accumulation of follicles in the ovaries with no progress towards her monthly ovulation. PCOS disturbs the balance of hormones, which is why it leads to higher levels of both testosterone and estrogen and decreased progesterone levels. PCOS usually changes a woman's menses cycle. It is either disturbed or ceases altogether. PCOS affects women at a rate of 5 percent.

  Ovarian cancer, injury, diseases or any external factors affecting physical well-being are the other known causes of testosterone anabolism. Mental and psychological factors like stress and depression can contribute to this hormone imbalance also.

  Another cause of testosterone anabolism in women is the use of testosterone in anabolic steroid form. The use is generally for cosmetic reasons, bodybuilding, and sports competition and even as a part of a sex transformation procedure.

Effects of High Levels

• High testosterone levels cause drastic physical changes in women. These changes manifest as distinct masculine characteristics, such as a strong deep voice, baldness and increased perspiration. Other physiological and psychological effects can be cessation of the woman's menstrual cycle, heart disease and congenital defects in an unborn fetus.

Other Side Effects

• Even short-term elevation of a woman's testosterone levels or short-term use of anabolic steroids (derivatives of testosterone) can cause irreversible effects, making many of the masculine transformations permanent. Increased facial and body hair, oily skin, water retention and stiff joints are some of the permanent changes women may face. The long-term effects of testosterone anabolism can also be mood swings, excessive bleeding, jaundice and even cancer.

Low Levels

• Since testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone even though at low levels in women, depleted levels may cause unwanted symptoms such as loss of sex drive, fatigue and loss of muscle tissue.

  Deficiencies in testosterone are commonly linked to premenopausal and menopausal women. According to Dr. Sandhya Pruthi of the Mayo Clinic, "There's no consensus among doctors about the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for menopausal women." Medically, testosterone treats breast cancer and some gynecological conditions. It also used to treat bone density, body composition and menopausal changes in women.

Testing & Therapy

• There is no base line minimum to suggest that you receive testosterone replacement therapy, but doctors must screen women with normal or high levels of testosterone. A woman's testosterone level is accurately measured before any type of hormone treatment replacement begins. Knowing your testosterone level, your doctor can avoid prescribing drugs that will elevate your hormones to dangerous levels and avoid the androgenic and other side effects.