Fact Check: Intersex and cisgender women have sometimes high testereone rates in average

Fact Check: "Intersex and cisgender women have sometimes high testosterone rates in average"

What We Know

The claim that "intersex and cisgender women have sometimes high testosterone rates in average" can be examined through various scientific studies and reviews.

1. Testosterone Levels in Women: According to a study by Handelsman et al. (2018), there is a bimodal distribution of testosterone levels in the population, with healthy premenopausal women typically having testosterone levels ranging from 0 to 1.7 nmol/L. However, certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to elevated testosterone levels in some women, which is noted to be more common among elite athletes (source-1).

2. Intersex Conditions: The same study highlights that rare genetic intersex conditions can result in markedly increased testosterone levels in women, particularly those with disorders of sexual development (DSDs) (source-1). This indicates that while most cisgender women have low testosterone levels, some intersex individuals may have significantly higher levels.

3. Hyperandrogenism: A systematic review by Jensen et al. (2022) discusses how some intersex variations can lead to hyperandrogenism, a condition characterized by elevated levels of androgens, including testosterone. This condition can impact athletic performance and is a significant factor in discussions about the categorization of intersex athletes in sports (source-2).

Analysis

The evidence supports the claim that both intersex and some cisgender women can have higher testosterone levels than the average for women. However, it is crucial to differentiate between the general population of cisgender women and those with specific medical conditions.

• Cisgender Women: The average testosterone levels in cisgender women are generally low, but conditions like PCOS can lead to elevated levels. The average testosterone levels for cisgender women are approximately 15-70 ng/dL, which can vary based on factors such as age and menstrual cycle (source-6).

• Intersex Individuals: Intersex individuals, particularly those with DSDs, can have testosterone levels that are significantly higher than those of typical cisgender women. This is a critical point that highlights the diversity of testosterone levels within the female population (source-1).

• Source Reliability: The sources used in this analysis are peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews, which are generally reliable. However, the interpretation of testosterone levels and their implications in sports can be influenced by the context in which they are discussed, particularly regarding fairness in competition (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "intersex and cisgender women have sometimes high testosterone rates in average" is Partially True. While it is accurate that some intersex individuals and certain cisgender women (especially those with conditions like PCOS) can have higher testosterone levels, the average testosterone levels for the majority of cisgender women remain low. Thus, the statement requires clarification regarding the context and the specific populations being referenced.

Sources

1. Circulating Testosterone as the Hormonal Basis of Sex ...
2. How is the Topic of Intersex Athletes in Elite Sports ...
3. Sex hormones and athletes | Department of Medicine News
4. Trans women retain athletic edge after a year of hormone ...
5. Blunt truth about transgender women's athletic ability - Big ...
6. The Impact Of Hormone Replacement Therapy On Testosterone ...
7. How does hormone transition in transgender women change ...
8. Trans and cis women and men all have similar levels of ...