When people hear the word “testosterone,” they associate it with men’s health—naturally so, since it’s widely known as the male primary sex hormone. However, most people miss the fact that the ovaries and the adrenal glands in women also produce testosterone. Although this quantity of testosterone levels produced in women is naturally low, this hormone is no less essential to their health and vitality.
Testosterone plays a key role in impacting energy levels, bone and muscle health, mood, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions about testosterone and women’s health.
Many believe testosterone is only for men and that it causes masculinizing effects in women—such as increased facial hair growth and a deeper voice. There are other false theories such as when hormone replacement therapy is used to restore testosterone levels in menopausal women it leads to breast cancer. In reality, however, testosterone is the cornerstone of hormonal balance for women, influencing everything from sexual desire to cognitive performance and cardiovascular health.
As women undergo frequent hormonal shifts throughout life, hormonal balance is crucial for maintaining physical and emotional health. Gaining insight into how testosterone works can help women tackle hormonal issues and enhance their day-to-day lives.
In this article, we will explore the role of testosterone in women’s health and discuss how a personalized approach to testosterone treatment can help achieve overall well-being.
The Role of Testosterone in Women’s Health
The optimal levels of testosterone vary by age in women.
- Ages 1 to 10: 2.5 to 10 ng/dL
- Ages 10 to 18: 15 to 38 ng/dL
- Premenopausal: 10 to 55 ng/dL
- Postmenopausal: 7 to 40 ng/dL
When testosterone levels either increase or decrease compared to the range mentioned above, it impacts women’s health.
High testosterone levels in women are frequently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may cause irregular menstrual cycles, acne, balding, and excess body hair.
On the other hand, one of the largest causes of low testosterone levels in women is menopause. In perimenopausal and menopausal women, the hormone levels fluctuate greatly and postmenopausal women will notice that their testosterone levels have reduced by half. This leads to complications like infertility or trouble conceiving, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, depression, and more.
Nonetheless, whether it’s a case of too much testosterone or too little testosterone, deviation from optimal levels directly impacts women’s sexual, physical, and mental health.
Sexual Health
A key symptom of low testosterone in women is hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This prevents the brain from stimulating the glands that are associated with arousal and attraction. Naturally, this leads to reduced libido. This sexual dysfunction, which can affect relationships, personal confidence, and prevent women from attaining satisfaction during sexual activity, is a significant concern.
Here’s where healthy testosterone levels are crucial for maintaining the physical aspects of sexual function. Testosterone promotes blood flow and sensitivity of the genitals, which are essential for arousal and comfort during intimacy. For women who struggle with low sexual desire, reduced sensitivity, or difficulty reaching orgasm, improving their testosterone levels can boost their sexual function and make intimacy more enjoyable.
Physical Health
Low testosterone in women can also lead to various physical health issues, such as bone loss, reduced muscle mass, and inexplicable fatigue. Boosting protein synthesis with testosterone supplements can make it easier to increase muscle mass and strength. This means greater endurance for carrying out daily activities and long-term mobility.
Since testosterone is closely linked with the body’s energy production, optimal levels can help women improve stamina so that they feel more active, alert, and capable of tackling their chores with ease. For menopausal women, healthy testosterone levels are crucial in preventing osteoporosis and fractures, as testosterone contributes to stronger, denser bones. Moreover, testosterone enhances the body’s ability to heal faster by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Mental Health
Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being by interacting with brain chemicals like serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. When testosterone levels drop, it can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. By maintaining optimal testosterone levels, women can experience improved mood stability and emotional balance.
Testosterone also helps regulate cortisol to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it supports cognitive functions like memory, focus, and problem-solving, which can decline when testosterone levels fall. Low testosterone can also lead to “brain fog,” making it harder to concentrate and make decisions.
Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Personalized Approach
If you’re facing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed above, it could mean a decline in your testosterone levels. Here’s where a personalized testosterone therapy, tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health condition can help you feel like yourself again.
With a personalized plan, your practitioner can determine the right dosage and form of therapy to relieve you of your symptoms while minimizing potential side effects. Here’s how your doctor might prescribe testosterone treatment.
- Creams and gels: These are simple and discreet to use. They need to be applied to skin once or twice a day based on doctor’s instructions. However, to ensure the safety of children and others, it’s crucial to keep the topical application out of their reach, as it could pose health risks.
- Pills: You’ll need to take these pills once every day. If a dose is skipped, it may not produce the desired results.
- Patches: These are a very convenient option. The downside is, patches are noticeable in certain types of clothing. Also, if a patch falls off or isn’t sticking properly, it can affect the treatment.
- Injections: This is the most popular form of administration for testosterone therapy. It’s highly effective since it enters the bloodstream directly. Either you or your caregiver can administer the injection once every 7 to 10 days. But the injections also tend to put you on a rollercoaster ride. The first couple of days there’ll be a surge in your hormones, and the latter half will be marked with declining relief.
- Pellets: Over the last decade, pellets like the EvexiPEL method have grown in popularity. They are placed under your skin in a short visit to the doctor and they steadily release the hormone dose for 3 to 6 months based on your personal medical history. Unlike the other methods, you don’t have to remember when to administer the treatment. Since the EvexiPEL method focuses on mimicking your body’s natural secretion of testosterone, it promises the most optimal results.
Like any medical treatment, testosterone therapy comes with potential risks. Side effects may include acne, changes in hair growth, and mild mood fluctuations. As long as your therapy is closely monitored by a qualified provider, serious complications are rare. Be sure to check in with your doctor regularly to reduce risks and enhance the therapy’s safety and effectiveness.
Broaden Your Practice with EVEXIAS Health Solutions
Testosterone therapy can be a game-changer for many women, offering benefits like:
- A boost in libido and sexual satisfaction
- More muscle strength and better physical fitness
- Increased energy levels throughout the day
- A more stable mood and less anxiety
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Stronger bones and better overall health
When you’re noticing changes in your body or mood, it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand whether testosterone therapy could be a good option for you and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Your health and well-being are worth it, and getting the right support can make all the difference.
Worried about whether testosterone therapy is safe for you? A seasoned practitioner can work with you to resolve your questions and offer the guidance required to promote your recovery. The doctors within the EVEXIAS Health Solutions network are available to guide you through this journey.
If you’re a healthcare provider, we invite you to become an EVEXIAS-certified provider, so you can grow your practice and provide personalized, cutting-edge care through state-of-the-art hormone therapy services. EVEXIAS Health Solutions can guide you in expanding your offerings, improving patient outcomes, and staying at the forefront of medical innovation.
Eager to learn more? Check out EVEXIAS Health Solutions.
