Testosterone, the male hormone is also produced in ovaries and adrenal glands of women. It’s just produced in one-seventh of the amount produced in men. It increases the sex drive, maintains the muscle strength and bone mass, provides relief from the menopause and reduces tenderness of the breasts. Many health hazards follow if there is a deficiency of this hormone in women.
Testosterone Deficiency – Symptoms and Causes
Testosterone deficiency in women is characterized by low energy levels, devoid of sexual desire, dry skin and brittle scalp hair, depression, loss in muscle mass, loss of public hair, lack of orgasm, weakness etc. Menopause is one of the major reasons for decreased testosterone levels. In the subsequent years following the menopause women might face this deficiency. The changes may be gradual or sudden.
Hysterectomy can be a reason though in some women the ovaries would be still intact. The functioning of ovaries is affected by Chemotherapy treatment and it causes a deficiency of testosterone as well. Some may experience this deficiency without any particular reason.
Testosterone Therapy – Methods
To increase testosterone in women, Testosterone therapy is still a much hyped and controversial topic. It can be taken in the form of pills, injections, cream or pellets. The pellets are most suitable for women as they are not heavily dosed like the other ones. These are just implanted just below the skin of the lower abdomen and it slowly releases the hormones and lasts up to five months. Another option is low-dose patches which can be applied to the stomach, thighs, back or upper arms which releases the testosterone in a gradual manner. This therapy might cause irritation in some women.
Shortcomings of Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy can lead to a lot of side effects as it affects normal blood flow, causes hair loss, water retention, aggravate breast and liver cancer, increase cholesterol levels and cause severe acne. It can also lead to growth of facial hair, deepening of voice, enlargement of clitoris and activation of mood swings. It’s recommended that you keenly observe your cholesterol levels and lever functions regularly when you take testosterone therapy.
Testosterone supplements have to be taken only under a physician’s guidance as they can have a lot of side effects. It is harmful for women with insufficient amounts of estrogen and in females with a history of breast or uterine cancer to take up the therapy. It’s not recommended for pregnant women and also during lactation.
After menopause, women can go for very little amounts of testosterone supplements if necessary. It’s highly important that we find out the right dose for each and every person after proper testing by a physician who will let you know your dosage levels.

