Low Testosterone in Women: Causes and Treatments

Low Testosterone In Women: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

She has worked in pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help. The side effects of DHEA supplementation can be similar to those of too much testosterone. Although lower testosterone may make it harder, you can still lose weight if your levels are low. You may also not want to take DHEA if you have depression or bipolar disorder. It may also worsen liver disease and increase insulin resistance, so ask your doctor before taking it.

However, with this knowledge as a starting point, you can start to ask your medical professional about which path is best for you and which treatment would be suitable for your situation. There are other possible causes of low testosterone in women, but these form the most commonly occurring causes. The tests and analysis that your doctor does will help to determine the cause and how best to address it.

Finally, we need to move toward more joined up, holistic care. It affects – and is affected by – mental wellbeing, lifestyle, metabolism and reproductive health. Effective treatment means looking at the whole picture, not just prescribing a pill or focusing on fertility alone. “Polycystic ovary syndrome” is a misnomer – many women with PCOS don’t actually have cysts on their ovaries, and having ovarian cysts doesn’t necessarily mean you have PCOS. It’s a complex metabolic and hormonal disorder, not just a reproductive one.

Testosterone therapy is recommended for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women. Some doctors may use it off-label for other medical conditions like depression. Like your ovaries, your adrenal glands are a chief producer of testosterone (and other hormones). When you have adrenal insufficiency, your glands don’t make enough of some hormones, including testosterone.

Low testosterone is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other conditions like depression, thyroid issues or low iron (anemia). Testosterone is an androgen (sex hormone) produced in your ovaries and adrenal glands. Low testosterone levels can affect your mood, libido and musculoskeletal health. But, even though PCOS dominates the conversation, it’s not the only condition behind androgen excess.

Understanding these contributors is essential for managing symptoms and exploring appropriate treatments. Low testosterone can be improved with a healthy diet and lifestyle. This takes a skilled and confident GP finger length and testosterone may put a less than up-to-date doctor off.

Another very common treatment method for women who are experiencing low testosterone is testosterone injections. This treatment mimics what would commonly be used for men who are experiencing low testosterone. This testosterone boost can be prescribed as an injection or gels although injections are generally a better solution for providing accurate doses and stable levels. Testosterone levels change as a person ages, and they may drop as a female approaches menopause. If a female experiences symptoms of low testosterone, the results of a blood test can help a doctor make a diagnosis. If a female has not yet reached menopause, the doctor is likely to advise on the best time to test testosterone levels. This is because they fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.

In general, women who use pellets initially love them because the huge bolus of estrogen and testosterone the pellets offer immediately makes them feel sexy, energetic, and fabulous overall. But these women often end up with unacceptably high levels because the dose is too high and the products aren’t regulated. When I see a woman experiencing negative side effects, she is almost always using pellets. I do not recommend pellets or injections, and neither do most academic menopause experts. Thrivelab offers personalized hormone replacement therapy with physicians who are committed to helping you feel your best.