The most important male hormone is testosterone, the rate of which depends on gender. Also, its level rises several times during pregnancy. The presence of this hormone in the required amount in the body of both men and women is the key to health and well-being. A lack or excess of testosterone can indicate serious pathologies, negatively affect primarily sexual function, sexual and reproductive health.
Testosterone is synthesized in men mainly in the testes by Lading cells. In women, this occurs in the ovaries and adrenal cortex, as well as in peripheral metabolism. The hormone in the blood is basically in a bound state. The biological activity is only free testosterone, which in women is only 1% of the total, and in men - 2%.
This hormone controls potency, prostate function and spermatogenesis. It also affects the voice, hair growth and stimulates libido in both sexes. Therefore, normal testosterone levels are necessary for reproductive and sexual function. In women, an increased amount of it can cause infertility and miscarriage. After 55 years, adrenal secretion of the hormone decreases dramatically.
So, testosterone is normal (ng / ml):
- women - 0.66-1.2;
- men - 2.91-15.11.
It should be borne in mind that with age, the level of homon decreases. In addition, the standards are laboratory dependent and may vary slightly due to the use of different test systems. Other units are also used.
So, testosterone norm (nmol / l):
- women - 2.41-4.2;
- men - 10-52.3.
The hormone level must be checked in the following cases:
- infertility;
- amenorrhea (lack of menstruation);
- cycle disturbances;
- polycystic ovary;
- testicular feminization;
- hirsutism;
- testosterone-producing ovarian tumors;
- gynecomastia;
- impotence;
- testicular insufficiency and control of its treatment;
- impaired functioning of the adrenal glands;
- delayed sexual development;
- ovarian disorders (girls);
- testicular disorders (boys).
Its low level in men can be with physical exhaustion, stress, and prolonged alcoholism. Its increased concentration is observed when taking oral contraceptives, estrogens, clomefene, barbiturates.
Hormone levels decrease in the following situations:
- obesity;
- chronic prostatitis;
- hypogonadism;
- adrenal insufficiency ;
- taking glucocortiroids;
- impaired synthesis of gonadotropic hormones, including excess prolactin;
- fasting, diet, vegetarianism;
- taking certain drugs.
The concentration of the hormone increases with:
- intense physical exertion;
- taking certain drugs;
- ovarian tumors;
- XYY chromosome set;
- testicular neoplasms producing testosterone;
- androgenital syndrome;
- low levels of sex-binding globulin;
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
Its level increases during pregnancy. In women carrying a child, the testosterone rate is 3 times higher than before conception. The maximum concentration is reached in 3 trimester.
In men, the hormone level is higher in the morning, and by evening it decreases by 25%. An increase in testosterone concentration is observed in the fall. In women, hormone levels increase during ovulation and during the luteal phase. After the onset of menopause, it gradually decreases.
Women should be tested for hormone testosterone on the 7th day of the cycle, unless the doctor has recommended otherwise. For a day it is necessary to exclude stress, alcohol, sex, sports, smoking. Need to donate blood on an empty stomach in the morning. When taking medication, you should inform your doctor about this.
So, testosterone, the norm of which depends on gender, phase of the cycle and the presence of pregnancy, plays a role, first of all, in reproductive and sexual function. However, it affects the state of the whole organism.