Decreased Levels of Testosterone in Females
In the realm of women's health, testosterone, often associated with male sexual function, plays a significant role in female wellbeing as well. This hormone is essential for sexual function, vaginal health, cognition, and bone health in women. However, decreased testosterone levels can lead to a variety of symptoms, a condition that has been largely overlooked in the premenopausal population.
Common causes of decreased testosterone levels in premenopausal women include the use of oral contraceptive pills, oral steroid therapy, hormonal imbalances related to conditions like insulin resistance, premature ovarian insufficiency or surgical removal of ovaries, and natural age-related decline.
Oral contraceptive pills can suppress testosterone production by the ovaries and increase levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a liver protein that reduces the effects of testosterone. Oral steroid therapy, on the other hand, can suppress testosterone production by the adrenal glands. Insulin resistance can either increase or decrease testosterone levels, contributing to hormonal disruption and early lowering of testosterone in some women. Premature ovarian insufficiency or surgical removal of ovaries, since the ovaries produce most of a woman’s testosterone, leads to a significant drop in testosterone production. Even in healthy women, testosterone tends to peak in the 20s and gradually declines with age, including during perimenopause, which may lead to symptoms like low libido.
Other medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, medication use, smoking, and alcohol consumption may also influence testosterone levels indirectly by affecting overall hormone balance and health.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women can include low sexual desire, fatigue, lack of energy, headaches, less pleasurable sex, muscle weakness, decreased vaginal lubrication, lack of well-being, and potential increased likelihood of depression.
Testosterone replacement strategies for women are preferably administered topically due to good tolerability and lack of serious side effects. Gels are the most common prescription and considered the safest method for testosterone replacement. Treatment for low testosterone in women can involve medications to increase testosterone levels, with effectiveness taking up to 4 weeks to manifest and show signs of improvement.
While testosterone replacement is not licensed in the UK, it is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. It's important to note that side-effects of testosterone replacement are usually dose-related. Common side effects include increased body hair at the site of application, acne, a deeper voice, alopecia (loss of hair on top of the head), greasy skin, and hirsutism (increased body hair at all sites, most commonly affecting the face and neck).
A study over two years showed that women receiving testosterone therapy had no serious side effects. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment to ensure the most suitable and safe approach.
In conclusion, understanding the causes, effects, and treatment of low testosterone in women is vital for maintaining optimal health and wellbeing. By recognising the signs and causes, women can take proactive steps to address this issue and improve their quality of life.
- In women's health, conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, medication use, smoking, and alcohol consumption can indirectly influence testosterone levels, contributing to hormonal disruption.
- Symptoms of low testosterone in women can include low sexual desire, fatigue, headaches, less pleasurable sex, muscle weakness, decreased vaginal lubrication, lack of well-being, and potential increased likelihood of depression.
- Testosterone replacement strategies for women are preferably administered topically, such as with gels, due to good tolerability and a lack of serious side effects.
- While testosterone replacement is not licensed in the UK, it is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- It's crucial for women to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any testosterone replacement therapy to ensure the most suitable and safe approach, as side-effects are usually dose-related.
