Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes
Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes
A 2020 article suggests doctors may prescribe testosterone to menopausal females with low sexual desire if hormone replacement therapy alone is not effective in relieving symptoms. Even though low testosterone levels in women can potentially impact female sexual function, the relationship between testosterone levels and female sexual function is far from linear or crystal clear. As a result, no specific testosterone level leads to a diagnosis of sexual problems in women. It’s true that low testosterone levels in women can sometimes impact female sexual function negatively, but that’s far from the whole story.
The message that I would love to give today is that all of those tests have pros and cons. Each one of them has circumstances where they may be better than the other one. And I spend a lot of time teaching other practitioners and talking, you know, lecturing about which test is best. And one of the clues that your symptoms really could be hormonally related is if it’s cyclic.
Women who received testosterone therapy reported feeling less anxious and depressed, and they also noticed improvements in their cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration. However, not all testosterone converts to estrogen, and the balance of both hormones must be monitored by a healthcare provider. Too much estrogen or testosterone can create problems, so doctors often recommend regular blood tests to track hormone levels and make adjustments to the dosage if necessary. Estrogen is one of the main female sex hormones, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, and supporting heart health. During menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline, and this can lead to various symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss. Many women take estrogen therapy during menopause to manage these symptoms. Testosterone therapy can be beneficial for many women experiencing low testosterone levels, but it is not the right option for everyone.
It is determined by many factors, including women’s physical and emotional health, the health of their relationships with their partners, their previous sexual experiences, history and trauma, and more. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease as you enter your 30s. But you can experience low testosterone levels at any time in your life. It’s crucial to discuss testosterone supplementation with a knowledgeable doctor. They can provide personalized advice, regularly monitor hormone levels, and ensure that any supplementation is done safely and effectively.
Only samples with a purity of ≥ 90% CD4+ TNAIVE cells (TN) of total CD4+ were used for further experiments. It’s always best to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Half (50%) of the participants were bachelor’s degree holders, and 12.5% had completed their PhD in different disciplines. In the context of occupation, 30% were students, followed by 40% housewives and 30% working ladies.
Once the pellets are in place, you don’t have to worry about daily doses or patches. However, the procedure to insert the pellets requires a minor surgery, and there is a risk of infection or pellet extrusion (when a pellet comes out of the skin). Also, if the dose is too high or too low, adjustments cannot be made until the pellets are removed or replaced. Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized implants that are placed under the skin, typically in the buttock area, during a minor surgical procedure. These pellets slowly release testosterone into the body over a period of several months, usually three to six months. Patches are usually worn on a specific area of the body, like the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks.
Testosterone influences brain chemistry, including the production of certain neurotransmitters that affect mood. When testosterone levels are low, women may experience mood swings or prolonged periods of sadness. Testosterone therapy can help stabilize mood, reduce feelings of depression, and promote a more positive emotional outlook.
By lowering cortisol levels, ashwagandha helps restore hormonal balance. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, are crucial for estrogen metabolism and the overall health of the endocrine system. B6, in particular, is involved in methylation, a detoxification process that helps the body efficiently remove excess estrogen.
