We’re all familiar with testosterone’s role in men’s health—think deep voices, muscles, and body hair. But did you know that women also produce testosterone? And it plays a pretty crucial role in keeping us healthy. While estrogen often steals the spotlight in female health, testosterone is like the backstage crew, quietly supporting everything from sexual desire, muscle strength to mood and energy.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of testosterone in women!
What Is Testosterone and What Does It Do for Women?
Testosterone is type of androgen (masculine hormones) that is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It’s essential for a variety of functions in women, including sexual desire, building muscle, maintaining bone strength, regulating mood and energy, cognition and general wellbeing. While women have much lower levels of testosterone than men—about 10 to 20 times less—it’s still a crucial hormone.
Testosterone levels in women begin to increase with puberty, peaks in late teens to early 20s. After that, they gradually decline with age, and by menopause, testosterone levels can drop to about a quarter of what they once were.
Other Conditions when Testosterone Levels Drop?
So, why might your testosterone levels decline early (besides normal ageing)? Several factors can contribute to lower testosterone in women:
Surgical menopause, when both ovaries are removed can cause a sudden drop in testosterone levels.
Loss of pituitary function.
Birth control pills suppress testosterone production by the ovaries.
Steroid medications can also lower testosterone levels.
Anti-androgen drugs used for things like acne or hair loss work by reducing testosterone.
If you think you may have low testosterone and that it might be affecting your health, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Your Sex Drive, Low Testosterone and Biopsychosocial Causes.
Here’s where things get interesting and a little complicated. Testosterone plays a role in sexual desire, but it’s not the only factor. For example, not all women with low testosterone experience a dip in sexual desire.
Low sexual desire which causes distress in women is defined as HSDD (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder). There may be many reasons for HSDD —hormonal, drug related, psychological, social, relationship issues, or cultural. It is important to explore and address all possibilities.
Can Testosterone Therapy Help?
For peri and postmenopausal women who experience a significant drop in sexual desire, testosterone therapy might help. Evidence suggests that it can cause significant improvement in sexual desire, arousal and orgasm, and help reduce sexual distress.
How Is Testosterone Therapy Given?
If you and your doctor decide that testosterone therapy is right for you, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Oral testosterone (like pills or capsules) is not recommended because it can affect your cholesterol levels.
Transdermal forms which are applied on the skin, like gels or creams are preferred. There’s limited availability of testosterone formulations designed specifically for women. Often, doctors may prescribe a small amount of male-formulated testosterone (in a dose safe for women).
Testosterone Pellet implants are also a very convenient option as you just need to get these inserted every 6 months. However, sometimes they may lead to high testosterone levels.
Compounded testosterone can be used when equivalent alternatives are not available, or if it’s your personal choice. These are bespoke product formulated specifically for you in the pharmacy. It’s important to note that these are unregulated products, and you consult a doctor who is experienced in prescribing these, and the compounding pharmacy meets standards for purity of Ingredients and Good Manufacturing Practice.
Are Blood Tests needed?
It is recommended to get a baseline testosterone level done before starting treatment. This is to rule out normal or high levels before initiating treatment as not all peri or postmenopausal women will have low testosterone.
It is also important to keep monitoring your testosterone levels while you are on treatment, initially every 2-3 months, then at least annually when stable on treatment.
Can there be side effects with Testosterone Therapy?
If the blood levels of testosterone are higher than female physiological range, then it can lead to unwanted side effects like excess body hair, acne, and scalp hair thinning. So, it’s important to carefully monitor testosterone levels while on therapy.
Should You Care About Testosterone?
Yes, you should! Testosterone is now getting much deserved attention and rightly so. It is a crucial hormone for women’s health. It helps with sexual desire, muscle strength, bone density, mood regulation, energy, improved brain function. In the end, women deserve to feel their best at every stage of life—and testosterone might just be the unsung hero that helps make that happen.
Ask yourself these questions.
In the past, was your sexual desire satisfying for you?
Do you have vaginal dryness, discomfort or pain during intercourse?
Do you feel that your sexual desire and sexual thoughts have decreased?
Do you feel less responsive to sexual stimulation?
Do you have difficulty reaching orgasm?
Does this bother or distress you?
Would you like this to change?
Speak to your doctor if you feel you have low testosterone, and if it’s affecting your health and you wish to do something about it.
You can also book an appointment with me for a comprehensive and personalised consultation at info@drshashiprasad.com.
댓글