Perimenopausal Testosterone

Unlike estrogen, testosterone levels taper off gradually as a woman gets older. Some women maintain a healthy testosterone level, which is the male hormone that females also possess, during perimenopause and menopause. This may be the result of healthy adrenal function and a good metabolism because they are a eating healthy diet, exercising and managing their stress.

Adrenal Exhaustion

• Testosterone production takes place in the adrenal glands and the ovaries. When the ovaries stop functioning the adrenal glands take on the role of producing more sex hormones, including testosterone. However, if a woman's adrenals are exhausted from long term-stress will not produce testosterone.

Stress

• Stress plays a critical role in proper production of hormones. Too much stress turns progesterone, which is a precursor to testosterone into stress hormones instead of into testosterone.

Libido

• When a woman doesn't have enough testosterone then her libido or sex drive diminishes.

Hysterectomy

• When a woman undergoes a hysterectomy that includes the removal of her ovaries, this may throw her into immediate menopause, and testosterone levels can decrease. Even if a woman retains her ovaries after a hysterectomy, her ovarian circulation may become compromised and testosterone levels can diminish.

Dominant

• On the other hand, some women can become testosterone dominate when estrogen levels decline and testosterone levels remain higher. This can occur after menopause. It is the exact opposite of what happens when men get older. According to Dr. Susan Rako, estrogen dominance can occur during perimenopause, which stimulates globulin. This in turn binds up testosterone which results in testosterone deficiency. Lower levels of estrogen do not result in testosterone deficiency.