Low Testosterone in Women

Low Testosterone in Women : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Some women find they have low testosterone due to issues with their ovaries, or the pituitary or adrenal glands. But, most women are diagnosed with low testosterone around the time menopause begins. As women age, their ovaries begin to produce lower levels of hormones allowing hormones like testosterone and estrogen to decrease naturally. If you have high levels of testosterone, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to learn about treatment options. In some cases, hormone therapy or medication can help restore your levels to a normal range. Most healthcare providers will be able to diagnose low testosterone levels by using a blood test. However, it’s important to note that hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, meaning your blood test results may vary.

Understanding your hormone levels can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate these symptoms. Because of this, at certain times during a woman’s lifespan, testosterone levels measure up to 10 times higher than estrogen levels. Some influencers claim to have a condition called “testosterone deficiency syndrome” or low levels of testosterone detected in blood tests.

Our moods are somewhat impacted by the amount of testosterone in the body. It’s important to note that not all these symptoms may appear together and every woman will experience them differently. Some may have mild symptoms while others may have more pronounced effects.

However, testosterone levels in women is important in sexual function. It contributes to the sexual maturation of the vulva and vaginal tissues and the brain. It also affects female sexual behavior, specifically desire and the arousal response.

“When testosterone replacement is used in women, a fraction of the dose used in men is typically prescribed, but it is still considered an off-label use of the medication,” says Barrera. Currently, there aren’t any testosterone replacement therapies approved by the U.S. “While it’s not a very common symptom of low testosterone, some people do find it harder to focus or concentrate,” Dr. Yogi-Morren notes. Research shows diets that boost testosterone testosterone may help protect your brain from cognitive decline and the development of dementia. But even if your low testosterone isn’t identified as a syndrome, the symptoms are real and sometimes treatable.

When we consume high amounts of processed sugar, the liver is forced to convert it into lipids. Increased lipid production may reduce the amount of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) protein in the blood. If you’re diagnosed with PCOS or high testosterone without proper testing of your free testosterone levels, we highly recommend you get a second opinion. Namely, your SHBG may be far too high, often the case if you have naturally high estrogen levels or if you are being treated with estrogens.

These include creams, ointments and gels that go on the legs, arms or stomach area. The type and amount you take relate to safety risks, so talk with your health care team about the pros and cons of each. A 2021 study demonstrates the importance of vitamin D metabolites related to hormonal regulation in postmenopausal women. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all made from dietary cholesterol, a dietary fat. If you don’t absorb fat well or eat enough healthy fat in your diet, making the proper amount of hormones may be challenging.

Alternatively, BHRT can be administered as a suppository, which also circumvents the digestive system and reduces systemic side effects. This therapy is inserted rectally or vaginally, where hormones are released gradually to promote sustained results. Suppositories are suitable for those who may have challenges with oral administration and provide an option for individuals seeking localized hormone therapy. BHRT is available in various forms to cater to individual preferences and needs.

It’s always important to see a doctor so that all potential underlying issues can be identified accurately and treated properly. There are several possible causes of low testosterone levels in women, from aging to side effects of certain medications. “Even in the early 20s, early 30s, women are showing signs of a testosterone deficiency.