Testosterone Supplementation and Female Libido

It is common belief that low testosterone is an issue relating to males; however, testosterone is as essential to women’s health as it is to men’s health. Testosterone, a class of male hormones, known as androgens, was previously thought to be a hormone that is exclusive to males, but recent research has demonstrated that testosterone also plays a primary role in women’s psychological and physical health. Women produce both small quantities of testosterone and estrogen through the ovaries and the adrenal glands and estrogen is produced through the ovaries as well as the fat tissue in the body. Both estrogen, a primarily female hormone and testosterone play a significant role in maintaining the growth and the repair of female reproductive tissues, as well as bone mass and body tissues. Testosterone is beneficial for achieving a heightened libido in women as well as giving them more energy and a better sense of their overall well-being.

Identifying Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

When it comes to women’s health, the primary symptoms of low testosterone typically include a low libido and/or painful intercourse; however, there are a host of other symptoms to be aware of, all of which may play a role in a woman’s libido, including:

• Poor tolerance for exercise
• Dry skin
• Thinning skin
• Loss of motivation
• Loss of muscle tone in legs and arms
• Loss of bone density
• Weight gain around the abdomen
• Depression and/or anxiety

Who Can Benefit From Testosterone Therapy?

Women naturally experience a decline in testosterone at menopause, which may be correlated to a reduced libido during and following menopause. Testosterone levels in women will also decrease if the ovaries are removed and/or with post hysterectomy surgery. The testosterone levels in women have also been shown to drop as a result of:

• Diabetes
• Ovarian cancer and the chemotherapy treatments
• Overuse of oral contraceptives
• During the natural aging process
• Damage or disease of the pituitary gland
• High blood pressure
• Morbid obesity
• Certain infections, such as meningitis, mumps and/or syphilis
• Glandular malformations

Research studies have demonstrated that the testosterone hormone does have an impact on the sex drive of males as well as females. Testosterone therapy is available in a range of forms, such as patches, pills, creams and gels. The method of administration and the recommended dosage are typically safe, however, like any form of supplement, there are safety risks. For example, long term data on testosterone therapy when used for postmenopausal women with a history of uterine or breast cancer, cardiovascular disease or liver disease may be at higher risk of developing additional health problems.

Testosterone therapy is typically only prescribed for women who have a safe and sufficient level of estrogen. Some are also hesitant to recommend testosterone therapy for women’s health, because there is a low amount of research regarding the long-term use and safety of testosterone therapy for women. However, in short-term use, testosterone has been shown to contribute to a healthy sexual function in women, including emotional intimacy, improved mood and reduced stress.

Interesting in learning more about testosterone supplementation and female libido:

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