Low testosterone in women can cause changes in libido and mood or a decrease in muscle and bone mass, and it is considered normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age, especially during menopause. However, there are other conditions that can reduce testosterone, such as ovarian removal or radio and chemotherapy, for example.
It is normal for circulating testosterone levels to be lower than men’s levels, as this hormone is responsible for secondary male characteristics. However, the circulation of ideal amounts of testosterone in women is important so that various functions of the body are maintained.
In the case of symptoms associated with a decrease in testosterone, it is important to consult a gynecologist to order diagnostic tests to identify the possible cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
The main symptoms that may indicate that testosterone is low in women are:
- Sexual disinterest;
- Decreased well-being;
- Mood changes;
- Lack of motivation;
- Persistent fatigue and tiredness;
- Decrease in muscle mass and strength;
- Weight gain or accumulation of body fat;
- Decrease in bone mass;
- Vaginal dryness.
Furthermore, a decrease in testosterone in women can also make the process of getting pregnant difficult and even cause infertility.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of low testosterone in women is made by a gynecologist, through the assessment of symptoms and a blood test to measure free testosterone levels.
Normal testosterone levels in women vary according to age, averaging 15 to 70 ng/dL of blood. See what normal testosterone values are.
Make an appointment with a gynecologist in the nearest region:
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Possible causes
The main causes of low testosterone in women are:
- Aging;
- Failure or removal of ovaries;
- Use of medications with estrogens, antiandrogens or glucocorticoids;
- Malnutrition, including anorexia nervosa;
- Diseases such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and AIDS;
- Hiperprolactinemia;
- Tumor in the pituitary gland;
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Furthermore, it is common for women during menopause to experience changes in hormonal levels, including testosterone levels, which influence the characteristic symptoms of menopause. See how to recognize menopause symptoms.
How to increase testosterone in women
Treatment to increase the amount of testosterone in women is controversial, as there is still not much scientific information about the safety of long-term testosterone use in women.
Furthermore, testosterone supplements were manufactured in concentrations for men and not for women, so they are not completely recommended.
For this reason, the treatment must be discussed with the gynecologist and, if carried out, it is important to follow their instructions.
Testosterone-based remedies
Some of the testosterone-based medication options that may be prescribed by your doctor are:
- Injectable testosterone: which can be alone or combined with estrogens;
- Testosterone in tablets: which can be purchased in conventional pharmacies. The safest dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg per day;
- Testosterone Patches: it was not approved by ANVISA and is therefore not sold in Brazil, however, they provide 300 µg/day of testosterone and must be changed every 4 days;
- Testosterone Gel or Androgel: which can be done in a manipulation containing 1% to 2% of testosterone propionate, to be applied to the woman’s external intimate region. Find out how to use testosterone gel.
Testosterone treatment should not be carried out for more than 6 months, and it is important that regular exams and medical evaluation are carried out during treatment.
In addition, there is also a DHEA supplement, which is a precursor to testosterone, however, there are few studies that prove its effectiveness, and it is important to consult your gynecologist before taking it. See what DHEA is and what it is for.
Furthermore, it is important to inform your doctor about the risks of using testosterone.
Increase Testosterone in Women Naturally
To increase testosterone in women naturally, it is possible to include some nutrients in your daily diet that are involved in the production of this hormone in the body.
Therefore, it is recommended to consume foods rich in zinc, omega 3, vitamin A and D, such as nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, carrots, sardines, spinach and fish oil, for example.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid excess foods rich in sugar, as well as soy and its derivatives, as they can interfere with testosterone production.
It is also important to avoid stress and dedicate time to relaxation and regular physical activity. See other ways to increase testosterone naturally.
Possible risks of using testosterone
The use of testosterone by women is only indicated when recommended by a gynecologist.
This is because excessive, unnecessary and unregulated use can cause some side effects, such as:
- Increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer;
- Increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or thrombosis, as it increases cholesterol;
- Development of insulin resistance;
- Changes in the skin, favoring the appearance of acne;
- Changes in voice and increase in body hair;
- Increased size of the clitoris.
Additionally, testosterone can lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, which can promote the accumulation of fat between the organs, increasing the risk of heart problems and liver toxicity.
Due to the risks that the indiscriminate intake of testosterone supplements can bring, their use for increasing muscle mass by women is not recommended.
See a recipe to increase testosterone in the video below:
