In This Article
In This Article
Testosterone is a hormone usually linked with men. However, it’s also present in women. When testosterone levels are out of balance, it affects overall health.
What does testosterone do for women?
Testosterone imbalances tend to occur as women get older. But testosterone issues can happen any time in life.
Understanding the value of balanced testosterone is important. It’s also important to know the signs of low testosterone in women.
Unbalanced testosterone levels may cause:
Having these symptoms doesn't always mean low testosterone. It’s important to have a doctor complete an exam. You can then learn the various conditions that can lead to these issues.
Other conditions that mimic low testosterone levels include:
In some cases, these conditions are also linked to low testosterone levels. You might need treatment for more than one issue.
There are two primary reasons women develop low testosterone levels. They include:.
Women’s testosterone levels naturally decrease over time. This is because the ovaries produce fewer hormones. Medicines used to treat menopause symptoms can cause testosterone reduction.
Some women can experience low testosterone long before menopause sets in. Other conditions that alter testosterone levels are:
There are several ways to treat low testosterone in women. A combination of several treatments is usually recommended. Treatment includes:
Sadly, testosterone treatment may trigger unwanted side effects. Some of the most common side effects of testosterone treatment include:
Some doctors don't recommend testosterone supplements due to the side effects. In extreme cases, treatment might be necessary. An example is when it causes hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
To reduce testosterone levels, use less aggressive forms of treatment. These include:
Managing stress
Sex therapy
Dietary improvements
Increasing quantity and quality of sleep
OTC DHEA supplements
DHEA is a steroid hormone naturally produced in the adrenal glands. However, DHEA and testosterone supplements have the same side effects.
There is insufficient data about low testosterone treatment in women. Health experts agree supplemental testosterone is necessary for some. However, the side effects make it a last resort in many cases.
A common treatment option for low-T in women is a drug called Estratest. It’s a combination of synthetic testosterone and estrogen. It is typically given to menopausal women.
Some have had success using the drug. Others have found it did little to improve their low testosterone symptoms.
Another common treatment is testosterone injections. It also comes in patch, pellet, or gel forms. These are the same treatments given to men with low testosterone levels.
Many of these products contain high levels of testosterone. They raise a woman’s testosterone level too much. While the treatment might improve symptoms, it can lead to a new set of symptoms.
Undergoing medical testing will help determine your testosterone levels. However, tests administered by a doctor can be expensive. They might not be covered by medical insurance. There are at-home hormone tests available that are more reasonably priced.
EverlyWell’s Test for Women's Health will tell you if your hormone levels are abnormal. It will then give you some steps you can take to get them back into balance.
Testosterone testing is recommended if:
Everlywell Testosterone Test is an at-home testing option. It is known to be one of the most effective tests available. It provides accurate and reliable information. You can discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
An at-home testosterone test is right for people who:
“Testosterone Therapy in Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/testosterone-therapy/faq-20057935.
Harvard Health Publishing. “Treating Low Testosterone Levels - Harvard Health.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health, 9 Aug. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/treating-low-testosterone-levels.
