Testosterone therapy in women: Does it boost sex drive?

Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels

Low estrogen levels can also cause the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, fatigue, poor sex drive and depression. For women who are postmenopausal and who are still struggling with these symptoms, low estrone levels may be the reason. However, research has not yet found a definite link between the ovary hormone and these symptoms. Sometimes both men and women can struggle with high levels of dihydrotestosterone, which stems from excess testosterone production.

So, keep reading to learn more about unhealthy levels of testosterone in women—including causes and symptoms, as well as how to check testosterone levels. If a woman has symptoms of high or low testosterone, it’s recommended that she visit a healthcare provider to get further testing and a diagnosis. Normal levels of testosterone may be achievable with hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

In fact, there are many possible side effects of testosterone therapy in women, even in women with naturally low levels of testosterone. Increasing testosterone levels and lowering estrogen levels can help to reverse the loss of muscle. To reap the benefits of increased testosterone, estrogen levels must simultaneously be lowered. There is a direct correlation between elevated estrogen and disorders involving obesity. Testosterone plays an important part in the metabolism of fat as well. There is a higher predisposition to being overweight in women with a fluctuating or low testosterone level. Many women are afraid of starting hormone replacement therapy with testosterone because they’re scared of masculinization with things like facial hair, deepening voices, and other side effects.

Women of various ages may experience low testosterone levels due to factors such as stress, medical conditions, or surgical removal of the ovaries. Symptoms of low testosterone in women vary, not only relating to libido, but can also include fatigue, bone and muscle loss, depression, and cognitive changes. Testosterone is essential for the overall well-being of a woman’s physical and mental health, and therapy can help alleviate these symptoms, improving the overall quality of life. If testosterone levels in women are low and the symptoms fit, providers might consider testosterone therapy in women. Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve sexual function in postmenopausal women who have low desire for sexual activities that is not otherwise explained by a medical or psychiatric condition.

Other possible causes of high testosterone include adrenal or pituitary gland disorders and ovarian cancer. In rare cases, benign ovarian tumors may also cause high testosterone. First, your healthcare provider does a physical examination and talks to you about your symptoms and medical history. Many providers hesitate to diagnose low testosterone because research on the link between testosterone levels and specific symptoms isn’t well known. Low testosterone is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other conditions like depression, thyroid issues or low iron (anemia). For women, optimizing hormone levels, especially post-menopause, is crucial for improving quality of life.

I stared with the HRT first, with Dr. Lovett telling me what to expect within the first weeks of treatment. I felt energy, motivation to “do” things, got my libido back and was able to sleep through the night, which was a huge benefit to my overall wellbeing. If you believe you might have high or low testosterone symptoms or other hormonal imbalances, the best way to find out is by completing our initial consultation form. Our providers will review your symptoms and health history before contacting you to schedule a consult.

One concern with oral testosterone therapy in men is increased risk of blood clots, which does not appear to be as much of a risk with skin application and is a theoretical risk in women. Though androgen receptor genes are expressed at higher levels with age, the receptors themselves appear to decrease. However, vaginal testosterone enhances vaginal thickness, inducing epithelial proliferation in post-menopausal women. In some papers, the effect of testosterone is described as being superior to conjugated equine estrogen, with better libido, lubrication, and reduced dyspareunia.

Keep reading to learn how testosterone therapy may help you feel your best. What experts now agree on is supplements that naturally increase testosterone, docpulse.com, both sexes need an adequate level of testosterone to maintain both physical and mental health. In fact, some women may start to see the symptoms of low testosterone in their early 30’s. These symptoms include low libido, hot flashes, fatigue, mental fogginess and weight gain.

It also affects female sexual behavior, specifically desire and the arousal response. Symptoms of androgen deficiencyThe symptoms of androgen deficiency in women may very closely resemble other conditions. The chief complaint of androgen-deficient women is decreased sexual desire, which is often characterized by a decrease in sexual thoughts and fantasies, as well as actions. Muscle weakness is another frequent complaint, especially in athletic patients. It appears that genital arousal and orgasmic response may also be negatively affected, and vaginal lubrication may decrease, even in women who are menstruating regularly.