Testosterone for women isn't as strange it might first sound. Low testosterone in women is not usually taken seriously by most people but this is because most people (including some women) are not even aware that women produce testosterone. The majority of the population believes that men produce testosterone and women produce estrogen.That is a true statement, but women also produce a small level of testosterone, which plays several important roles, not the least of which is a healthy libido.
Testosterone for women -- the level that is -- is only about 10% of that which is found in the male body, but it can rapidly decline as a woman gets older and menopause begins to set in.
There are many symptoms that point to low testosterone in females. The major effects are:
- Decreased sex drive
- Decreased energy
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
A diminished level of testosterone for women has a major effect on their desire to engage in sexual activity. Testosterone in women, just like in men, is what controls libido; this means that low testosterone for women is going to result in less desire.
About 30% of a woman’s testosterone is produced in the ovaries.
The rest of the testosterone is produced by the transformation of DHEA and androstenedione. Both DHEA and androstenedione production begin to slow down with age, which in turn means that testosterone levels will also decline.
Ovarian production of testosterone also decreases as women get older and menopause begins to settle in. After menopause, the ovaries take over for approximately 50% of testosterone production.
Low testosterone in women can be tested with a simple blood sample. These results will clue you as to whether or not you should seek help.
If testosterone treatment therapy is necessary a woman will have a few options.
For low testosterone in women, doctors generally prescribe a testosterone gel, or administer intramuscular injections. A gel can be applied directly to the body and has been shown to be very effective in treating low testosterone in women.
The only problem with the gel is that the woman must be very careful as to not let it come in contact with anybody else since testosterone can be transferred to that person via skin-to-skin contact. Intramuscular injections are often the preferred method. This consists of testosterone being injected directly into the body via a needle.
Shots are administered every two to three weeks depending on the patient’s situation. Low testosterone in women can lead to a number of different of symptoms, some of them quite serious. They can include:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Decreased sensitivity around the nipples and clitoris
- A sudden loss of energy
- The quality of orgasms decreases
- Decreased muscle tone and strength
- Dry hair, skin, and scalp
- Decreased bone density, which can lead to greater incidence of fractures.
Testosterone for women is every bit as important as it is for men. Even though the hormone does not act in the same way, it can still have a negative effect on a person if levels are not regulated. Low testosterone in women is a serious issue, and action should be taken immediately if any symptoms should arise.
Many effective treatment options are available to treat low testosterone in women. It is just a matter of finding the one that works best and discussing it with your physician. One type of product both men and woman are turning to more and more these days are natural testosterone boosters.
These products are non-prescription based and do not contain testosterone directly.
What they do contains are ingredients that have been shown to help the body naturally produce more testosterone. Because no artificial amounts of testosterone are introduced into the body, these kinds of products have the added advantage of not upsetting the natural balance of hormones.
