Testosterone levels in adult women are usually about 8 to 60 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) in the blood. The reference range depends on age, menopause status, the laboratory, and the testing method. Many laboratories use ranges of about 10 to 55 ng/dL for premenopausal women and 7 to 40 ng/dL for postmenopausal women.
Typical Testosterone Levels in Women
| Group | Example total testosterone range |
|---|---|
| Women aged 17 to 50 | 8.4 to 48.1 ng/dL |
| Premenopausal adult women | 10 to 55 ng/dL |
| Postmenopausal women | 7 to 40 ng/dL |
| Women over 50 | 2.9 to 40.1 ng/dL |
These are example laboratory ranges, not universal cutoffs. Use the reference range printed on your own test report because laboratories use different assays and intervals.
Do Women Produce Testosterone?
Yes. Women produce testosterone mainly in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Although women have less testosterone than men, the hormone contributes to sexual desire, muscle health, bone health, and other body functions.
What Is the Difference Between Total and Free Testosterone?
A testosterone test may measure:
- Total testosterone: Testosterone in the blood, including testosterone attached to proteins.
- Free testosterone: Testosterone that is not attached to proteins and is more available for the body to use.
- Bioavailable testosterone: Free testosterone plus testosterone that is weakly bound to proteins.
Most testosterone in the blood is attached to proteins, including sex hormone-binding globulin, or SHBG. As a result, a total testosterone result may not show the full picture when SHBG levels are abnormal.
What Can High Testosterone Mean in a Woman?
High testosterone can be associated with:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS
- Increased facial or body hair
- Acne or oily skin
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Scalp hair thinning
- Voice deepening
- Increased muscle mass or clitoral enlargement
- Certain ovarian or adrenal disorders
- Testosterone, anabolic steroid, or other hormone use
The result needs to be considered alongside symptoms, age, medications, menstrual history, and other hormone tests. A testosterone result alone does not diagnose PCOS or another condition.
Is Low Testosterone a Problem for Women?
A low testosterone result can occur normally, especially with aging and after menopause. It can also be linked to ovarian failure, pituitary disorders, adrenal problems, certain medications, or hormonal contraception.
There is no universally accepted "testosterone deficiency syndrome" for otherwise healthy women. The Endocrine Society recommends against diagnosing androgen deficiency in healthy women based only on a low testosterone result.
When Should a Woman Have Testosterone Checked?
A clinician may order a testosterone test when a woman has new or excessive facial hair, severe acne, scalp hair loss, irregular periods, infertility, voice changes, or other signs of excess androgen activity.
Rapidly developing symptoms, particularly voice deepening or significant hair growth, should be medically evaluated.
Bottom Line
Use the reference range on your laboratory report when interpreting a testosterone result. A general range from the internet cannot account for differences in age, menopause status, symptoms, testing methods, or SHBG levels.