Last updated on 1 December 2021 Show
What is testosterone?Testosterone is a hormone found in humans and some animals. The testicles produce testosterone in men, although women also produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries. Though classed as an androgen, or male hormone, testosterone is important for both men and women. Testosterone plays a role in:
In women, testosterone can affect fertility, bone and breast health, and menstrual cycles. What is oestrogen?Oestrogen is the collective name for the female sex hormones estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Oestrogen is produced primarily in the ovaries, but it is found in men too, and is important for healthy development. Oestrogen plays a role in:
In men, oestrogen assists with sexual development and in producing healthy sperm. Hormone production
Your brain controls hormone production across your body. An area of the brain called the hypothalamus signals glands to produce the hormones it thinks you need. These hormones travel around your body via your circulatory system, signalling what your body needs to do to function. Hormone imbalanceIn both men and women, your body maintains a balance of testosterone and oestrogen to function well. If testosterone or oestrogen levels are too high or too low, you may start to notice a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of low testosteroneLow testosterone levels in men can result in a reduced libido, weight gain, fatigue, stress, and depression. Your bone density can also be negatively affected. In women, low testosterone has a lesser impact, but can lead to decreased sexual function, particularly post-menopause. Symptoms of high testosteroneHigh testosterone levels have fewer symptoms in men, but can speed up the onset of puberty. In women, high testosterone levels can cause irregular periods, excess body hair, acne, muscle growth, and a deeper voice. Symptoms of low oestrogenLow oestrogen levels in women can lead to brittle bones, pauses in your menstrual cycle, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and moodiness. In men, low oestrogen can affect sperm production and sexual function. Symptoms of high oestrogenHigh oestrogen levels can affect a woman’s weight, menstrual cycle, mood, sleep quality, energy levels and sex drive. In men, high oestrogen levels can affect sperm production, cause breast tissue growth and erectile dysfunction. Possible causes of hormone imbalance in men and womenThere are many things that can lead to an imbalance of testosterone or oestrogen. Causes of hormone imbalance in men
Causes of hormone imbalance in women
Irregular hormone levels: Lifestyle factorsIn addition to medical conditions that affect hormone production, your lifestyle can play a part. Overweight patients with a poor diet are more at risk of a hormone imbalance. How to increase low testosterone levels naturallyDiet tips to increase testosterone levels
Lifestyle tips to increase testosterone levels
Managing high testosterone levelsAlthough less common, excessive testosterone is usually caused by tumours (usually adrenal and testicular) or drug use. If it is the latter, reducing or stopping the consumption of anabolic steroids or testosterone supplementation can help with resolving the problem. How to increase low oestrogen levels naturallyDiet tips to increase oestrogen levels
Lifestyle tips to increase oestrogen levels
Managing high oestrogen levels
Medical treatmentTestosterone and oestrogen are vital to the way your body works, in particular your sexual function. Some medications may also cause an increase or decrease in the levels of these hormones. You may want to discuss these possibilities and concerns with your doctor. While diet and lifestyle changes can help, but you might need hormone replacement therapy to effectively treat the root cause of your hormone imbalance. In some instances, they may be linked to common hormonal disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. If you have an underlying condition that’s causing too much or too little oestrogen or testosterone, it’s important to find out the exact cause and seek the right course of treatment. Article reviewed by Dr Joy Lim, acting medical director at IHH Healthcare Singapore Reference (1 Mar 2019) What is Testosterone? Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-testosterone (6 May 2015) Can You Boost Low Testosterone Naturally? Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally#2 (2 May 2017) What is Estrogen? Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.livescience.com/38324-what-is-estrogen.html (5 Nov 2018) 7 Foods For Lowering Estrogen In Men. Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/anti-estrogen-diet-men (20 May 2016) 8 Proven Ways to Increase Testosterone Naturally. Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone (22 June 2017) What is Testosterone? Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.livescience.com/38963-testosterone.html (25 Nov 2018) Normal Testosterone and Estrogen Levels in Women. Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/normal-testosterone-and-estrogen-levels-in-women#3 (10 June 2019) All About Testosterone in Women. Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/do-women-have-testosterone (20 Feb 2018) Signs And Symptoms Of High Estrogen. Retrieved 10 July 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/health/high-estrogen (12 April 2018) What to know about hormonal imbalances. Retrieved 5 August 2019 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486.php (4 April 2019) Understanding High and Low Testosterone Levels in Men and Women. Retrieved 5 August 2019 from https://www.verywellfamily.com/high-and-low-testosterone-levels-in-men-and-women-1959949 (31 October 2020) Everything You Should Know About Hormonal Imbalance. Retrieved 16 November 2021 from https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance#Understanding-hormonal-imbalance What can I do if my testosterone is high?Medication options for high testosterone include:. eflornithine (Vaniqa), a topically applied cream that slows down facial hair growth.. glucocorticosteroids, which reduce inflammation.. metformin, a type 2 diabetes drug that may aid fertility in those with PCOS.. What happens if a male has high testosterone?Problems associated with abnormally high testosterone levels in men include: Low sperm counts, shrinking of the testicles and impotence (seems odd, doesn't it?) Heart muscle damage and increased risk of heart attack. Prostate enlargement with difficulty urinating.
What causes testosterone to be high in males?High testosterone causes
Excess testosterone in men can result from testicular or adrenal tumors. Even if these tumors are benign – that is, they aren't malignant or cancerous – they can still boost testosterone levels to unhealthy levels, as can steroid use and abuse.
What can lower testosterone quickly?Excess weight, hair-loss treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can lower testosterone levels.
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