“The male hormone” (testosterone) and women

Although testosterone is the “male hormone” par excellence, both women and men produce this hormone., although men generate it between 20 and 40 times more than women. 90% of testosterone is produced in women in the ovaries and in men in the testicles, only a minimal part is generated in the outer layer of the adrenal gland.

How is testosterone production manifested?

The production levels of this hormone They manifest differently in men and women. The differences are notable.

In men

Testosterone production in men is reflected in several aspects and is decisive in certain stages. In general, this hormone is reflected or has a primary function in these points:

The voiceThe hairThe growth of the genitalsThe growth and bone maturation

In the case of men, Insufficient production can lead to different problems. From lack of sexual appetite or erectile dysfunction to depression, fatigue, lack of concentration and memory or loss of bone mass, among others.

In the women

In summary, Testosterone in women affects some behaviors and also physical appearance. Especially in these questions:

The libido and sexual desireImprove sexual experiences and also the spiritContributes to having stronger bonesreinforce muscle mass and greater resistance.

What happens if testosterone levels are not adequate?

We already mentioned some of the problems that a testosterone deficiency can cause, especially in men. In general terms, You can talk about fatigue, insomnia, risk of diabetes and hair loss. Alterations in mood, loss of muscle and bone mass, or decreased sexual desire may also occur.

The power of testosterone in women

The influence of testosterone levels in women has also been investigated for some time. And, if we considered testosterone as something for men, studies reveal that this is not the case and that this hormone also has important effects on women.

One of the most interesting studies was carried out by the University of Florida and was published in “Evolution of Human Behavior”. This research reveals that when women smell that their competitors are ovulating and, therefore, can take away from your “male” testosterone spikes. What this does is that women become more hostile, more prone to casual sex and have more intense orgasms.

Another study, this time published in “Archives of Sexual Behavior” states that When testosterone levels skyrocket in women, they are more prone to masturbation.

Meanwhile, research from the Wellcome Trust Neuroimaging Center at University College London has led them to state that When testosterone rises in women they become more egomaniacal and selfish..

And not only that, but, according to Luigi Zingales, of the University of Chicago, Testosterone in higher proportions than normal in women makes them more risky.

There is still a long way to go

However, despite the existing results to date about the relationship between testosterone and women, these continue to represent a small number compared to research on testosterone in men. According to Davis and Wahlin-Jacobsen (2014), testosterone has favorable cardiovascular effects in women but more research needs to be done in this area.

These authors also point out that Testosterone May Be Linked to Delayed Cognitive Decline and Dementia, but more research is needed to shed light on these findings. It is also noted the need for more studies to confirm the benefits on musculoskeletal health and the risk of easy fractures.

As Professor Alex Haslam, an expert in social psychology at the University of Exeter, in England, says for the BBC: “Let no one doubt that hormones have a function, but this is a very complicated link.…”.

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