Elevated Testosterone levels in Postmenopausal Women Increase the Risk For Heart attacks

Small amounts of androgens are always present in females, but the significance of this has never been fully understood. When women reach menopause, their estrogen levels start falling and most of the post menopausal discomfort experienced by many women can be correlated with this fall in the estrogen levels. Thus, at menopause, estrogen levels fall and there is a relative increase in the androgen concentrations, particularly testosterone. Recent studies indicate that increased testosterone levels as encountered during menopause may contribute to the incidence of insulin resistance. The risk for heart disease and metabolic syndrome is also elevated. In post menopausal women with lower testosterone, these risks are significantly lowered.