Testosterone is a type of steroid hormone from the androgen family. This sex hormone is released by the testes in men and the ovaries in women, and by the adrenal glands in both males and females. In women, testosterone has an important role to play in sensitivity towards sex. Unlike biological and anatomical changes seen in men, women with low levels of testosterone are more likely to exhibit behavioral changes.
Testosterone is responsible for maintenance and growth of feminine sex characteristics. Testosterone levels in women vary as per the age. After puberty, it is about 70 ng/dL and later drops down to under 40 ng/dL post menopause.The usual amounts of testosterone in women tends to increase nearly 4 times during pregnancy. It is possible to create synthetic testosterone, but any decrease in its natural production adversely affects the sexual health in women.
Different studies have indicated the link between low testosterone in women and the adverse effect that it has on a woman’s health. The hormone is known to be directly related to the libido, and hence lower levels can result in adverse sexual symptoms. Low levels of testosterone in women can be replenished via use of sexual health supplements likeTestarol.
It is also important to note that besides sexual health, testosterone is also vital to the general well-being of a woman. Doctors recommend a blood test to measure the levels of testosterone before opting for a specific line of treatment. The blood test results are interpreted in conjunction with varied other physical symptoms, so as to arrive at a diagnosis of low testosterone in women.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women
In addition to a reduced sex drive, low testosterone in women can also result in the below listed signs and symptoms:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Irregular menstruation
- Breast soreness
- Dryness of the vagina
- Loss of hair
- Sleeping problems
- Elevated risk to osteoporosis and associated bone degeneration.
- A distinctive reduction in muscle mass and strength.
- Elevated risk to development of cardiovascular conditions.
- Buildup of fat, particularly around the abdominal area.
- Decreased or no interest in sexual activities.
- Sudden disappearance of menstrual cycles.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Anorgasmia, i.e., loss of ability to experience orgasms.
Causes
It is a known fact that the levels of testosterone in women tend to diminish during menopause, or after surgical procedures such as hysterectomy wherein the ovaries are surgically removed. Low testosterone in women may also occur due to the below listed causes:
- Morbid obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Glandular malformation
- Use of birth control pills above the prescribed dosage.
- The occurrence of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin or SHBG. It is a bonding matter which prevents the normal circulation of testosterone in the bloodstream.
- The natural process of aging causes a decrease in the testosterone levels in women, along with a natural decrease in the levels of progesterone and estrogen.
- Any kind damage of disease affecting the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.
- A diagnosis of ovarian cancer which is then treated with chemotherapy.
- Different infections like syphilis, meningitis, and/or mumps.
Treatment of low testosterone in women
It is only recently that medical treatment for low levels of testosterone in women was conceptualized and developed. The many diagnostic procedures for verifying the normal levels of testosterone in women are dependent on circumstantial evidence and abidance of basic ‘set’ levels.
The range of test result readings still vary from one lab to another. However, there is some sort of general agreement on the total level of testosterone, free testosterone levels, and the levels of testosterone that are biologically produced.
A special kind of lab test helps determine the levels of testosterone in women, as well as the precise percentage of decrease or increase in its levels. The test also takes into consideration the fact that testosterone levels decline with an increase in age.
Untreated cases of low testosterone can cause abnormal development of muscles and bones. It can also severely affect the mood and energy levels. It is therefore vital to remedy low testosterone in women.
- One of the most common methods to treat low testosterone in women is testosterone replacement therapy. It is usually administered as injections. The therapy is very effective in replenishing testosterone in women. However, occasionally the body may stop the natural production of testosterone after being given doses of synthetic testosterone.Therefore, doctors periodically cycle off the therapy so as to avoid such anomaly from happening.
- Alternative treatment options include use of topical medications that help stimulate natural secretion of testosterone.
- Regular sexual intercourse and daily exercising can also help speed up production of testosterone.
It is important for women over the age of 40 years to go for routine checkup of their testosterone levels. This will help seek immediate treatment as and when needed, and thus prevent the varied anomalies associated with low testosterone in women.
