What Are “Normal” Testosterone Levels for Women?

The Utility and Dynamics of Salivary Sex Hormone Measurements in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Wave 2

“…And in turn, significant decreases in testosterone can exacerbate these conditions as well as lead to loss of libido and chronic depression (Kraemer et al, 1976;Roney, Mahler, & Maestripieri, 2003). Although testosterone levels in women also decrease with age due to an age-related decrease in secretion from the ovary and precursors from the adrenal, further research is needed to fully elucidate testosterone's role, as it influences quality-of-life measures such as general well-being and mood as well as the restoration of sexual desire after menopause (Davis & Tran, 2001). Further, although androgen replacement therapy (ART) in later life is becoming increasingly common among men, it remains unclear at what age and stage it becomes most appropriate and carries with it the least amount of cardiovascular risk (American Society of Andrology, 2006).…”

“…All of these age trends are documented in existing literature and thereby strengthen the validity of our findings. During the aging process, testosterone declines in both sexes: steadily throughout adulthood in men and more gradually between the ages of 20 and 45 in women, likely due to the age-related decrease in adrenal secretion (Davis & Tran, 2001;Ellison et al, 2002;Feldman et al, 2002). Further, with advanced age comes greater risk of chronic illness and a more rapid deterioration of physical health, and in turn, the decrease in testosterone levels is likely to accelerate (Feldman et al, 2002).…”

The influence of sex hormones on anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in males

“…Testosterone (T) is primarily a male sex hormone but it plays a physiological role in both the sexes. In addition to secondary sexual characteristics, testosterone, in both sexes, also affects the quality of bone tissue [7] as well as the increase of muscle mass [16]. In his in vitro study on a canine cell culture of the anterior cruciate ligament Ohno et al [18] established that the potent form of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone causes an increased expression of androgen receptors and an increased synthesis of collagen in the ACL fibrocytes, whereas cell division occurs 24 to 48 h after treatment with this hormone.…”