Understanding Low Testosterone Levels in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Low Testosterone Levels in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Wolter completed his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Illinois. He then completed his urology residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, followed by a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive urology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Frequently needing to pee (including during the night), dribbling urine, and painful, burning pee or ejaculation might suggest prostate issues. However, prostate problems often cause no symptoms at all, especially in the case of prostate cancer. Another reason why you may want to maintain a healthy level of testosterone is due to its link with erectile dysfunction, which impacts up to one in five men in the UK. These include cutting back on drinking or smoking, reducing stress and increasing physical activity.

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.

Many labs use different standards for what is considered high or low, but they are all similar and a blatantly low testosterone level is easily identified using the blood test. Avoid DHEA supplements if you have a family history of hormone-related tumors like breast, ovarian, or adrenal cancer. These food supplements weren’t really helpful to raise testosterone in studies, either. “When testosterone replacement is used in women, a fraction of the dose used in men is typically prescribed, but it is still considered an off-label use of the medication,” says Barrera. But that doesn’t mean all men will feel the negative effects.

Testosterone deficiency can also contribute to a loss of muscle mass along with decreases in bone density, cardiovascular health, and cognitive performance. Doctors may prescribe a medication called Estratest in post-menopausal women. This medicine has both estrogen as well as testosterone in it.

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.

Surgical removal of ovaries or damage from chemotherapy significantly reduces testosterone. Likewise, adrenal glands contribute to testosterone production. Conditions like adrenal insufficiency can cause decreased levels. Your pituitary gland, responsible for hormone release, also affects testosterone. Inadequate hormone production due to hypopituitarism can result in lowered levels. Women who have undergone bilateral oophorectomy are likely to face significant drops in testosterone, as the ovaries are primary sources of the hormone. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can impair ovarian function, further decreasing testosterone production.

There are also finger prick blood tests available that you can do at home to get an indication of your testosterone level. NHS GPs will likely refer you to an endocrinologist if yours is low. The most common scenario Dr Foster sees in his practice is a man aged 35-plus describing feelings of being more tired, maybe struggling to get through the day without relying on caffeine. This is why health professionals will check your levels multiple times, at least 4 weeks apart. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s of public health in nutrition from Tulane University.

“And I even saw a patient with gum disease secondary to low testosterone,” says Dr Foster. Hypogonadism, as testosterone deficiency (TD) is also known, most certainly is “a thing”. It may affect up to 30 per cent of men in the UK at some stage in their lives and, just like Rob, most men aren’t aware of the condition.

About a quarter of a woman’s testosterone is produced in the adrenal gland, so any dysfunction with the adrenal glands could potentially impact testosterone production. There are several possible causes of low testosterone levels in women, from aging to side effects of certain medications. “Even in the early 20s, early 30s, women are showing signs of a testosterone deficiency. A balanced diet and regular exercise promote overall hormonal health.

Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. Depending on how do they make testosterone (https://lellaverde.it/wp-content/pgs/?comprare_winstrol.html) low your testosterone is and the causes, doctors can also refer you for testosterone replacement therapy. Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases.