Understanding Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Complete Guide to Hormone Health

Low testosterone in women: Signs, causes, and treatments

Your doctor will decide on the best testing schedule for you based on your health and how well the therapy is working. Of course, no treatment is without risks, and testosterone therapy is no different. There are certain side effects to consider, such as acne or hair growth, and in rare cases, more serious health risks. We’ll go over these potential risks so that you have a full understanding of what to watch for.

One of the key roles of testosterone in women is its influence on sexual health. Women with normal testosterone levels generally have a healthy interest in sexual activity, while low levels can lead to a reduced sex drive. As women age, especially after menopause, their hormone levels naturally change. Estrogen is often the focus when discussing female hormones, but testosterone also plays a key role. Low testosterone levels in women can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, mood swings, and even difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be confusing and might be mistaken for other health issues. Understanding that testosterone could be a factor is the first step in considering whether therapy might help.

Although PBC and AIH are much more common in females, the mechanisms underlying the sexual dimorphism in AILD are largely unknown and have not yet been investigated in detail. Sex hormones have been hypothesized to play a role in causing the diseases, and the incidence of PBC and AIH peaking around menopause indeed points to a contribution of sex hormones (20, 37). In this context it is important to note that sex hormone levels vary throughout life, and hormonal changes are a natural part of aging, puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause (38). Testosterone is produced in the ovaries of females during their reproductive years as well as by peripheral conversion of androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the adrenal glands.

Exhaustion from caregiving and other family responsibilities also take their toll, doctors say. If a patient does have symptoms of “low T” — including depression, lethargy and low sex drive — doctors typically gauge levels with a alkaline phosphatase blood test test before deciding treatment. In both women and men, it’s normal for testosterone levels to drop with age — starting at about age 30 in men and around 40 in women. The decline doesn’t mean that it necessarily needs to be replaced, either for health or longevity. To mitigate these risks, you should start testosterone supplementation at low doses, with slow gradual increases as needed. Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers doctors monitor patients for symptoms and adjust dosages accordingly. Testosterone levels naturally begin to drop once it peaks in your 30s.

In addition to the immediate physical and psychological benefits, testosterone therapy may also offer long-term health benefits for women. Testosterone therapy may not be for everyone, but for some women, it can be a game-changer. This guide will provide you with the tools you need to determine if it might be right for you. Whether you’re just starting to explore this option or are already considering it seriously, the information here will help you understand the therapy’s potential benefits and risks. Some women may notice a decrease in sex drive as levels of estrogen and testosterone, both of which play a role in libido, start to decline as they get older. Perimenopausal symptoms begin when women reach their 40s, triggered by hormonal fluctuations and accompanied by irregular periods, brain fog, insomnia and hair loss.

If your family feels like hormone hostages and they have to walk on eggshells because they’re not too sure if mom is going to blow in that week before a period. And then if you feel better after your period, and that’s the good week, that week after your period, you’re chopping the broccoli, you’re cleaning out your closets, you’re going to the gym. If you see that change, that’s a really important clue that hormones could be playing a role in what you’re doing. (2006) ‘A clinical update on female androgen insufficiency–testosterone testing and treatment in women presenting with low sexual desire’, Sexual health., 3(2), pp. 73–8. Transdermal testosterone is applied directly to your skin in the form of patches, gels, or creams.

Most women need to wait several weeks, sometimes up to a few months, to notice the effects of the therapy. In the first few weeks, the body is adjusting, and any improvements in energy, mood, or sex drive may be subtle. For these women, testosterone therapy may work as an addition to other hormone replacement therapies, such as estrogen or progesterone, which are commonly used after menopause. Studies suggest that adding testosterone can help support certain benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

However, menopause is not the only reason why a woman might have low testosterone levels. For example, women with adrenal insufficiency—where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones—may experience low testosterone. Zinc is another essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in hormonal balance. It supports ovarian function and helps synthesize estrogen and progesterone, key hormones for reproductive health.

Blood tests are used to measure testosterone levels and diagnose low levels. One question that often comes up is how long it takes to see results from testosterone therapy. Some women notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, while for others, it may take longer. The important thing to remember is that testosterone therapy is not a quick fix. It requires ongoing treatment and regular monitoring to ensure it is working effectively and safely.