High and low testosterone levels, what it is, normal ranges, and its function in men and women

Testosterone is a hormone that can have different levels in the body. Some people seek to keep it high to benefit certain bodily functions, such as muscle development, while others prefer to lower it to minimize masculine traits. For this, there are foods and supplements available in pill, injectable, and patch forms, each with different effects and health benefits.

What is testosterone?

It is a type of steroid sex hormone. The function of testosterone is the differentiation of sex in animals, including humans. It interacts with androgens, meaning it is also related to androsterone and androstenedione, which are other types of hormones also considered androgens.

It is primarily present in the testicles of men, though it is also found in the ovaries of women. Other parts of the body secrete it in smaller amounts, such as the adrenal glands.

Its presence in the body influences physical development, enhancing masculine characteristics. For this reason, it is available in pill form and other commercial presentations, as well as naturally in herbal stores. Supplements containing it are available over the counter, meaning you can buy them without a prescription as an anabolic steroid.

However, while there are patches and capsules, this does not mean it is free of side effects and contraindications. Therefore, we will describe them, but first, let’s explore its various properties and uses in both men and women.

Testosterone in women

Although many publications consider it a male hormone, it is actually present in both sexes, meaning it exists in both men and women.

Testosterone in women is present throughout life and the life cycle. However, since the female body produces it in smaller quantities, it plays slightly different roles. Thus, we can say that testosterone in women serves to:

• Increase bone strength.
• Boost muscle percentage.
• Improve strength.
• Provide more physical energy.
• Enhance libido or sexual desire.
• Stimulate the sensitivity of sexual organs.

In relationships, women with high testosterone levels report a greater sexual experience. They tend to engage in intercourse more frequently, and the experience is more intense.

An increase in strength and physical endurance is also noticeable, which is why it is commonly used in weightlifting, gyms, and by athletes who need to build muscle to improve their performance. Studies show that high testosterone levels in women provide greater vigor and stimulate muscle growth and strength.

Testosterone function in men

In males, it is much more prevalent as its properties and benefits are essential for forming male sexual organs at an early age. Even in fetuses, testosterone levels are already higher than in females. Testosterone in men serves to:

• Differentiates sexual characteristics in the fetus.
• Forms sexual organs such as testicles and penis.
• Produces a deep voice.
• Increases Adam’s apple growth in males.
• Stimulates the growth of facial hair or beard.
• Causes the appearance of hair in the armpits, pubic area, and genitals.
• Regulates sexual desire and libido in adult men.
• Controls male erection.
• Participates in sperm production and, therefore, reproductive capacity.
• Influences mood.
• Provides a sense of well-being.

Now that we understand the function of testosterone in both men and women, let’s analyze what it means to have high or low levels.

Low testosterone levels

Considering its role in both the male and female body, we can understand what happens when it drops too much. Some functions we consider normal for full body development decline, including energy levels and the role of sexual relationships in both men and women. Thus, we can say that low testosterone affects:

• Lower sexual desire.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Loss of mental agility.
• Memory lapses.
• Less physical energy or chronic fatigue.
• Reduced appetite.
• Loss of muscle mass, with noticeable muscle shrinkage.
• Decreased bone density, making bones thinner and more fragile.
• Increased body fat percentage.
• Higher insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes.
• Hair loss, especially facial hair.
• General discomfort.
• Irritability.
• Frequent mood swings.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Lower risk of developing prostate cancer in men.

In addition to these symptoms and disorders caused by low testosterone levels, men may experience difficulty maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction or impotence may occur, as well as a reduction in testicle size.

On the other hand, women with low testosterone experience less pleasure during sexual activity. Both the clitoris and nipples become less sensitive, and sexual desire may also decrease.

What happens if you have high testosterone levels?

Just as low levels cause symptoms, high testosterone levels also have effects on the body:

• Disruption of hormone secretion.
• Fluid retention.
• Increased salt levels in the body.
• Hair loss, very common in men.
• Higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Growth of facial hair, especially in women.
• Muscle thickening.
• Breast reduction.
• Enlarged clitoris.

In men, excessive testosterone increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, and can lead to testicular tumors. It is important to avoid excessive consumption when using testosterone supplements in pill form or other commercial presentations. Overuse can cause long-term side effects, which we will now examine.

Normal levels

Although some people naturally have different serum concentrations, there is an estimated average range for normal testosterone levels:

• Men: 280 to 1,100 ng/dl.
• Women: 15 to 70 ng/dl.

Keep in mind that these values are averages. They may vary from person to person, so it is advisable for a specialist to evaluate them to detect any possible abnormalities or dysfunctions.

As you can see, serum testosterone levels in men are much higher than in women. This is why it is considered a male hormone, in addition to the fact that its effects induce the development of masculine traits such as facial hair, increased muscle mass, a deeper voice, and enhanced male sexual functions.

Side effects

• Development of testicular tumors.
• Prostate cancer.
• Liver disease.
• Hair loss.
• Male infertility.
• Urinary disorders.
• Breast growth.
• Breast pain.
• Acne outbreaks.
• Snoring.
• Deeper voice tone.
• Fatigue.
• Insomnia.
• Mood swings.
• Weight gain.
• Hot flashes.
• Positive doping test results.

Some people use testosterone supplements without proper control due to a lack of awareness of their adverse reactions. It is important to remember that while this substance is naturally produced by the body, testosterone injections or pills can have significant side effects.

Additionally, with increased concentration in the body, symptoms such as hair loss due to androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, may appear.

A controlled and moderate intake under medical supervision can stimulate and regulate biological functions, but an improper or excessive intake can lead to severe and permanent disorders.

Contraindications

• Prostatic gigantism.
• Prostate cancer.
• Patients undergoing brachytherapy or internal radiotherapy.
• Breast tumor.
• Heart failure.

Men undergoing cancer treatment, particularly those with prostate cancer, should avoid testosterone consumption. The growth of tumors in the prostate and testicles is directly related to high testosterone levels and androgens.

Additionally, it may disrupt the body’s normal functions. Hormones taken without medical supervision are dangerous, as they alter the body’s development and functionality.

Foods that boost testosterone

Although testosterone naturally increases in the body since it is a hormone, some indirect stimuli can cause its levels to rise or fall. It is also possible to increase testosterone through certain foods:

• Fenugreek.
• Foods containing beta-sitosterol.
• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus).

Some people use herbal medicine preparations because there are indications that they may influence testosterone production in the body. However, fenugreek capsules have not been proven to raise testosterone levels, similar to the case of fennel seeds for breast enhancement. While these may help regulate hormonal function, their actual impact is much lower compared to injectable forms or medications in pill form.

Other natural products, on the other hand, can inhibit the formation of a testosterone metabolite called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This metabolite is linked to hair loss and various types of alopecia. Because of this, in many cases, it is recommended to take saw palmetto for hair health or to incorporate it into the diet while learning how to take ZMA.

Uses of injectable or pill-form testosterone

At this point, it is important to differentiate the possible uses of injectable testosterone versus its use as a medication or supplement in pill form.

People who are prescribed testosterone by a doctor should follow the specialist’s instructions. If a disease or organic disorder is diagnosed, a healthcare provider may recommend one of the commercial forms based on its potency and desired effects.

Generally, injectable testosterone is much more potent than tablets or pills. When injected, hormones enter the body directly, acting more quickly and at a higher concentration.

Different formulations exist depending on their chemical composition, such as testosterone enanthate and cypionate, which are also available in gel or cream form.

Where can you buy it?

In some countries, it is only available with a prescription, meaning a licensed doctor must confirm the need for its use before you can access it. However, in other countries like Spain, Mexico, or even the United States, you can buy testosterone online. You simply need to find a herbal store with natural products or a shop specializing in dietary supplements, nutritional products, or bodybuilding and gym supplements.