Hold on to your hats and come along for the ride!
So, women have testosterone just as men- only a different average level. According to my research, pre-menopausal women are supposed to have healthy levels of about 15-70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). This, dearest readers, is crucial! Of course, this looks to be a huge range and mid to higher end of this range would ideally be better. Now, you may say, don't women run main off of estrogen? Sure. However, that does not mean one bit that the same thing messing with men's testosterone is not seriously messing with women's levels too. Oh, and it does not mean that low testosterone does not have serious side-effects for women.
Check this out and tell me if you recognize something here!
Pulled this off ChatGPT but I also found similar information via Google:
Low testosterone levels in women, also known as hypogonadism, can lead to various symptoms due to the important role testosterone plays in female health. Here are some of the major symptoms associated with low testosterone in women:
1. Decreased libido (sex drive): Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual desire and arousal in women. Low levels can lead to a reduced interest in sex.
2. Fatigue: Testosterone helps regulate energy levels in the body. Low levels may result in feelings of tiredness and low energy.
3. Loss of muscle mass and strength: Testosterone contributes to muscle growth and maintenance. Low levels can lead to decreased muscle mass and strength.
4. Weight gain: Testosterone influences metabolism and fat distribution in the body. Low levels may contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
5. Mood changes: Testosterone has effects on mood regulation, and low levels can be associated with mood swings, irritability, and depression.
6. Decreased bone density: Testosterone plays a role in maintaining bone health. Low levels can contribute to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
7. Changes in cognitive function: Testosterone has effects on cognitive function, including memory and concentration. Low levels may lead to difficulties with memory and mental clarity.
8. Menstrual irregularities: Testosterone is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle. Low levels can lead to irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
9. Dry skin and hair: Testosterone contributes to the production of oils in the skin and hair follicles. Low levels may result in dry skin and brittle hair.
10. Reduced breast size: Testosterone has an antagonistic effect on breast tissue, and low levels may lead to a decrease in breast size.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may not all occur in every individual with low testosterone levels.
Weight gain, mood swings, losing a cup size or two, loss of strength, loss of muscle mass and unusually flappy arms and legs, fatigue, not in the mood for sex... Umm, gentlemen, maybe it is not all your fault as it is usually portrayed. It might be an overlooked systemic crisis.
Now, before you think this is me blowing things (yum haha) out of proportion, let me share with you some anecdotal evidence from a time when this was not necessarily the problem of this magnitude, such as in the earlier decades of the second half of 20th century. I talked to a few people about this and some of them who are older and come from Europe have moms who dated in the 70's over there and got married around that time too. My friends told me they used to cringe hearing these stories as kids, such as overhearing adults talk when they were hanging out for dinners and drinks, entertaining at home inviting people over and stuff. One lady said that she saw her future husband at a party one time, observed how he talked and acted, and said to her lady friends this will be her husband one day and that she wants him. She then proceeded over a period of time to go after him very directly, to the point they ended up having a shotgun wedding haha! Another friend's mom used to work in the accounting department of a large factory and it was all women there in that department. When one of them was too fussy or frustrated, the others used to joke she really needs a man to bend her over. Also, she used to overhear older women say how they would not exactly get scared if a young overly excited man snuck into their bedrooms without "full consent." Remember- their words, not mine! But, what do you make of it? Is this the way very masculine women talk in some European country, or do you think that, in a more modern liberal society, women with healthy testosterone levels talk and act more along these lines and that this is a more true to nature women's behavior? The key point I noticed in all of these stories is their decisiveness. Sadly, women in the West have been described for many years now as very, very indecisive, fickle or even capricious. Based on all this other information, I am compelled to believe that this is a symptom of low testosterone, not an authentic feature of female nature. Maybe, just maybe, whatever is negatively affecting the guys is negatively affecting the girls as well.
Where do we go from here? Well, if we accept that this is a legitimate problem that needs to be solved, we have just completed the first step. The next step is to deal with it.
But hey, what do you guys think about this topic? I leave you with that until next time.
Have a great week, Mwah! :)