A Functional Medicine Approach to Low Female Testosterone

Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

An older 2006 study found that women over 65 with low testosterone levels tended to have lower hemoglobin levels, putting them at greater risk for anemia. Low testosterone can make it difficult to achieve or maintain erections. However, low testosterone itself is not always a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. People with high testosterone levels can find it difficult to achieve erections, and people with low levels the opposite. Many people experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect anyone.

The most important recommendation is to listen to the patient and consider androgen deficiency when the symptoms are present, even if they seem non-specific. Treatment with androgens has to be monitored carefully because of the possible harmful effects of excessive levels of testosterone. Potential risks and side effectsThere is very little clinical research on treating pre-menopausal women. From the small amount of research available, it seems that the androgen levels achieved by treatment, as well as side effects, are the same as those in post-menopausal women.

Mental health concerns sometimes require a little more time and patience to start feeling results. Seeing a therapist who specializes in sexuality can help women discover underlying barriers and gain more control over their libido. Often, patients with physical or medication-related concerns begin feeling desire again after starting or modifying their care plan. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and advice of a qualified licensed professional. This site offers people medical information and tells them their alternative medical options, but in no way should anyone consider that this site represents the practice of medicine. Also note that this website frequently updates its contents, due to a variety of reasons, therefore, some information may be out of date. The statements regarding alternative treatments for cancer have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

However, low libido can occur at any age and is often caused by problems that aren’t directly linked with the bedroom, such as anxiety, stress, medications, or undiagnosed chronic conditions. Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced by your body’s adrenal glands that is a precursor to testosterone as well as other androgens. The theory being that if you have more DHEA, your body will begin to produce more testosterone.

These imbalances lead to disruptive symptoms that significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. The next section will look more closely at these signs and symptoms. Testosterone stimulates ovulation and increases fertility, but its role in sexual function and libido is only a piece of the overall effect it has in women. Similarly, while menopause is a time when many women experience a decline in testosterone levels, it is not the only period when therapy can be beneficial. Despite the lack of targeted therapies for women with low testosterone, they have one option that may increase their levels.

“There is not a lab value on traditional labs that’s specific for women and testosterone. There’s not even a diagnostic code for suboptimal testosterone for women. We get to be the pioneers of testosterone health through hormone replacement therapy” says Meeker.

Most report feeling like their old selves again after just a few weeks with increased mood and motivation. Other hormonal shifts occur in the perimenopause and menopausal stages of life such as decreased progesterone and estrogen. All hormone levels should be tested for optimal health and well-being. Basically, BHRT replaces the hormones you don’t have with bio-identical hormones so that your hormone levels can get back to normal. BHRT is most often used to address the symptoms of menopause in women, but it can be used for a host of other conditions. These can include cancer treatment, adrenal and thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and more.

This treatment is also contraindicated during pregnancy, since testosterones, and even its precursor DHEA, cross the placenta and may cause changes in the genitals of the fetus. Special caution should be used when treating women of childbearing age. Testosterone may be known as a male sex hormone, but women need it, too. Testosterone is part of what drives female desire, fantasy, and thoughts about sex.

The numbers that determine if a woman’s testosterone levels are high or low can vary by the laboratory performing the test. According to the Boston University School of Medicine in 2002, if a woman’s plasma total testosterone level is less than 25 ng/dL in women under 50 years old, this is low. Testosterone levels lower than 20 ng/dL in women aged 50 and older are considered low. 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.

In short, your does having sex decrease testosterone (https://lapoderosa.org.ar) life is powerfully influenced by your testosterone levels, not just your estrogen levels. The telltale symptoms of female low testosterone often indicate the need to consult with a medical professional who can check your hormone levels and help you determine the best course of action. Low testosterone in women is a critical health concern that needs attention and understanding. Recognizing the signs, getting a proper diagnosis, and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly enhance a woman’s quality of life. Low testosterone can affect women of all ages, including adolescents and postmenopausal women. However, it becomes more prevalent as women age, particularly during and after menopause.