Définition
Testosterone is an androgen present in women at lower levels than men but with critical roles in muscle maintenance, bone density, libido, energy, and mood. Female testosterone declines gradually from the 20s onward and drops more sharply during perimenopause, often before estrogen.
Women produce testosterone primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands, with smaller contributions from peripheral conversion of androgen precursors (DHEA, DHEA-S). Total testosterone in women is typically 15–70 ng/dL — roughly 10–20% of male levels. Free testosterone (unbound to carrier proteins) is the biologically active fraction and is often more clinically relevant than total testosterone.
Testosterone in women supports multiple functions beyond sexual health. It is essential for muscle protein synthesis — testosterone deficiency in women is associated with progressive loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) even with adequate training stimulus. It maintains bone density through direct action on osteoblasts. It supports cognitive function, mood regulation, and energy metabolism through receptors in the brain.
Female testosterone declines gradually from peak levels in the early 20s, with an approximately 50% reduction by menopause. The decline is accelerated by chronic stress (which diverts pregnenolone toward cortisol rather than sex hormones — the "pregnenolone steal") and sustained elevated SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin, which reduces free testosterone bioavailability).
Symptoms of low female testosterone: reduced libido (often the most prominent), fatigue, decreased motivation, muscle loss despite training, brain fog, and low mood. Resistance training is one of the most impactful natural supports for preserving testosterone signaling in women — both through maintaining muscle mass and through transient post-exercise elevations in androgen activity.
Termes associés
Ava Longevity · Built on the Ava Method · MMXXV