Low Testosterone in Women: Causes and Treatments

Low Testosterone In Women: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Other signs include thinning hair, dry skin, irregular menstrual cycles, and weakening bones due to reduced bone density, which can significantly affect daily life and overall well-being. Over time, testosterone levels decrease, particularly during menopause. However, women with surgically removed ovaries, or damaged ovaries (such as patients who have undergone chemotherapy) may also experience low testosterone.

Erectile dysfunction affects half of men in their lifetime, according to Dr Foster, but that doesn’t necessarily mean low T. “Men with TD often describe feeling flat or less motivated, more anxious and more fatigued,” adds Imperial College’s Dr El-Osta. “We’re now seeing growing evidence also linking TD with depression, metabolic syndrome and reduced lifespan if left untreated. “Testosterone deficiency remains one of the least discussed and most under-recognised and under-treated conditions affecting men’s health,” Dr El-Osta explains. Fewer people may experience these symptoms during menopause, but it’s important to try to track them if you think they could be related to menopause.

If the doctor suspects low testosterone, they order a blood test. Levels of other hormones, such as estrogen, also reduce over time, especially when menopause starts. You may feel fatigued, have difficulty sleeping, or have depression. If you’re in the premenopause stage of life, the best test for your hormone levels is your period (menstrual cycle).

When experts prescribe testosterone to postmenopausal women, it is intended to replicate the amount a younger woman makes, and taking too much can lead to an array of unpleasant side effects. The normal range of testosterone levels in women varies depending on age, stage of the menstrual cycle, and other factors. Generally, total testosterone levels in women should be between ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). However, the reference range can vary between different laboratories and testing methods. Menopause is characterized by a decline in estrogen and testosterone levels, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and a decrease in libido. The second major cause of low testosterone in women is menopause.

Even if you don’t experience the symptoms mentioned above, changes to your periods are the most tell-tale signs of menopause. However, up to about 11% of people may experience early (before age 45) or late-onset menopause (after age 55). A hysterectomy or oophorectomy may also cause surgical menopause. But just because these symptoms are “common” doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience them.

You should always talk to your doctor before starting any testosterone or related medications and supplements. They’ll be able to provide tests and make sure that there are no interactions with other medications you take. You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests. This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts. While many women are worried about the effects that low T has on the body, there is plenty of hope for women who are experiencing low T and the side effects. This means that it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the problem is. It also means that when the problem is found, it is easier to treat because doctors will have a generally good idea of what is causing it.

Never take testosterone replacement therapy without a doctor’s recommendation. Supplements and replacement therapies may cause more unpleasant side effects than they relieve. Around the time that menopause begins, a female may be more likely to have less testosterone because the ovaries are producing less hormones. Because the symptoms linked to low testosterone are so common and can be vague, a doctor looks for signs of other issues or conditions before making a diagnosis.

However, the quantity of testosterone in the medication may not be enough to raise levels, or the body may not be able pueraria mirifica do to men’s testosterone; https://bioenergetic-therapy.com, absorb them sufficiently. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your testosterone levels and reaching your weight goal. But testosterone is a complex hormone, bound by other proteins like SHGB. This complex process affects the levels in your bloodstream and how it acts on your body. There aren’t many studies on testosterone treatment in premenopause. And it’s usually off-label use to treat your premature menopause symptoms.

In fact, failing relationships is the reason why men eventually seek professional help 80 per cent of the time. Dr Austen El-Osta, of Imperial College London, is one of the study’s lead researchers, which was a collaboration with the men’s healthcare platform Manual. Connect with your doctor or a menopause specialist about hormone tests and for more guidance.

If you’re still getting a period, there’s a specific window in your cycle that’s best for measuring testosterone in your blood. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease as you enter your 30s. But you can experience low testosterone levels at any time in your life.