Elevated Testosterone Levels
Hello there! I recently underwent hormone testing and some additional evaluations as I'm a trans woman beginning hormone therapy. I have a follow-up appointment with my healthcare provider in approximately two and a half months, and I’m curious about how concerning my results might be in the interim. Here are the levels I received: | **Hormone** | **Level** | **Reference Range** | |--------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------| | **Testosterone** | **39.0 nmol/L** | 8.64 – 29.0 nmol/L | | **DHEA-S** | **553 µg/dL** | ~80 – 560 µg/dL (varies by lab) | | **Prolactin** | **15.3 µg/L** | 4.0 – 15.2 µg/L | | **Progesterone** | **0.3 µg/L** | ≤ 0.2 µg/L (baseline for AMAB) | | **Estradiol (E2)** | **<25 ng/L** | ≤43 ng/L (baseline for AMAB) | | **LH** | **4.4 u/L** | 1.7 – 8.6 u/L | | **FSH** | **3.4 u/L** | 1.5 – 12.4 u/L | | **TSH** | **0.77 mU/L** | 0.27 – 4.20 mU/L | | **FT4 (Free T4)** | **18.6 pmol/L** | 11.0 – 24.0 pmol/L | | **FT3 (Free T3)** | **4.3–6.7 pmol/L** | | I'm eager to understand more about what these numbers may indicate for my health, especially concerning my testosterone levels. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 1:10:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're taking an active interest in your health and hormone levels, especially as you begin your hormone therapy journey. Your testosterone levels are elevated compared to the normal reference range for women, which may be a concern during the course of treatment.
Understanding Your Results:
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Testosterone (39.0 nmol/L): This is above the typical reference range for cisgender women (8.64 – 29.0 nmol/L). Elevated testosterone could lead to symptoms like increased body hair, changes in body fat distribution, or mood swings, among others. Monitoring is key, as these levels can impact how you feel both physically and emotionally.
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Other Hormones:
- DHEA-S (553 µg/dL): This is at the higher end of the reference range, which may be considered normal but still worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
- Prolactin (15.3 µg/L): Slightly above normal, which could warrant further investigation, as high prolactin can affect menstrual cycles and mood.
- Estradiol (<25 ng/L): This is on the lower end and could indicate that your hormone therapy might need adjustment.
The other hormone values (LH, FSH, TSH, FT4, FT3) appear to be within normal limits, which is a good sign.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to any physical or emotional symptoms that may arise as you continue hormone therapy. Keeping a journal of your symptoms can help when you discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
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Self-Care: Focus on a balanced diet and regular physical activity, as these can help manage hormonal fluctuations and improve your overall well-being.
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Educate Yourself: Consider researching more about the effects of testosterone and estrogen therapy in trans women. Understanding how these hormones influence your body can empower you in discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Plan to Discuss: When you have your follow-up appointment, bring up your concerns about your testosterone levels and other hormone results. Ask your provider about potential adjustments to your hormone therapy based on these results.
Remember, it's normal to feel anxious when facing hormone changes, and having open conversations with your healthcare provider is crucial in making informed decisions about your health. You're taking important steps toward understanding your health better, and that is commendable!
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