From the Guidelines
A testosterone level less than 3 ng/dL in a female is not a concern in the context of hormone treatment for transgender women, as the goal is to bring testosterone levels to <50 ng/dL, which is within the female range. In the setting of adult levels of estradiol, lower testosterone levels can produce typically feminine physical attributes, such as increased breast development, decreased facial/body hair, and feminized body shape/composition 1. The treatment regimen for transgender women typically includes estrogen and an adjunct antiandrogen, such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone, to enable lower doses of estrogen to be used 1. Some key points to consider in this context include:
- The use of antiandrogen regimens to bring testosterone levels to <50 ng/dL, which is within the female range 1
- The importance of estrogen therapy in producing feminine physical attributes, such as increased breast development and decreased facial/body hair 1
- The need for regular monitoring and adjustment of hormone therapy to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider experienced in hormone therapy for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment. In the context of hormone treatment for transgender women, the goal is to align gender identity with physical appearance, and a testosterone level less than 3 ng/dL is not a concern, but rather a potential outcome of effective treatment 1.
From the Research
Testosterone Levels in Females
- The provided studies do not directly address testosterone levels in females, specifically a level of less than 3.
- The studies focus on testosterone replacement therapy in males, hypogonadism, and the effects of different testosterone formulations on male patients 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is no mention of a testosterone level of less than 3 in the context of female patients in the provided evidence.
- The studies discuss testosterone levels in terms of ng/dL, with a low level defined as less than 300 to 350 ng/dL in males 2.
- It is unclear how a testosterone level of less than 3 would be interpreted in a female patient, as the units and reference ranges may differ from those used in male patients.
- Further research or consultation with a medical professional would be necessary to understand the implications of a testosterone level of less than 3 in a female patient.