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Hormone

Testosterone

An androgen present in women in small amounts that contributes to libido, muscle, and bone.

An androgen present in women in small amounts that contributes to libido, muscle, and bone.

Testosterone is an androgen produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Women make far less than men, but it still plays a role in sexual desire, energy, and tissue maintenance.

Elevated testosterone can drive symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth, and is one marker assessed when evaluating conditions like PCOS.

Related terms

Bioavailable testosterone

The fraction of testosterone not tightly bound to SHBG and therefore available to tissues.

SHBG

A liver protein that binds sex hormones and controls how much is biologically active.

Hyperandrogenism

Elevated androgen activity in women, producing signs such as acne, excess hair, or scalp hair loss.

PCOS

A common hormonal condition marked by irregular ovulation, androgen excess, and/or polycystic ovaries.

HSDD

Persistently low sexual desire that causes personal distress and is not better explained by another cause.

Source

MedlinePlus: Testosterone Levels Test

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