Low Testosterone in Women

Health concerns in women need special attention, especially when the underlying issue is directly related to her womanhood, it becomes even more crucial. Sexuality and related concerns are becoming important, with women becoming more frank and open about these concerns. There are three main hormones that complete a woman's sexuality. They are - progesterone, testosterone and estrogen. Among these hormones, testosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced in the ovaries in women. Hormones in the brain, when released, signal the production of testosterone. Testosterone is considered as the male hormone, majorly produced in men. However, it is also produced in women, though in very few amounts as compared to males. Any imbalance in this steroid hormone can create changes and problems in a woman's health. Low levels of this hormone is one issue that is increasing. This article talks about the importance of this hormone, why it decreases, and its effects.

Testosterone is produced with the onset of puberty. It is the highest during puberty, and it is also at peak in a woman when she is in her twenties. It substantially decreases with age and plays a vital role in women, and it is called the sexual hormone. It gives a woman her characteristics, it gives bones density, boosts mood and behavior, makes one strong, gives a youthful glow and feeling, along with being the major hormone responsible for sexual drive. Just like age depletes the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones in women, a decline in testosterone levels will also decrease with age. But if the levels drop drastically, it may cause problems for the woman, both physically and mentally.

Causes

The causes for low testosterone are mentioned below. These are the reasons for a severe drop in testosterone in women right from their twenties until menopause. Aging will only deplete the levels of testosterone in a balanced and proportional manner, and that kind of reduction of testosterone should not cause a problem.

• One main reason for women in their twenties and beyond is due to the increased use of oral contraceptives, that effects production of progesterone, estrogen, as well as testosterone levels.
• Removal of the ovaries, premature ovarian failure, or any issue with the ovaries, can also affect the production.
• Any problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary glands that affect the hormones stimulating testosterone production like Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), can also be the cause.
• Medical diseases and disorders like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, are also some possibilities. Also, tumors, mumps, meningitis, etc., can trigger low testosterone production.

Symptoms

The major symptom of low testosterone is reduced sexual drive and interest or lack of sexual desire. Other symptoms include decrease in overall enthusiasm, mood swings, irritability, hot flashes, weight gain, disturbed sleep, frequent feeling of unexplained fatigue, and tiredness. There are other secondary symptoms like vaginal dryness and also dryness during intercourse. Increased risk of exposure to cardiovascular diseases, and deteriorating bone health too, are some symptoms that can be experienced.

Treatment

It is vital for women with these symptoms of low testosterone, to seek medical guidance and help. There are treatment options for hormone therapy for women. Since the level of testosterone is directly proportionate to the correct balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, maintaining this balance is the main goal of therapy and treatment. It includes oral and topical treatments that improve testosterone levels in the body. A correct dosage of this treatment, also called testosterone replacement, can make a big difference in a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Only after a thorough checkup and diagnosing the exact cause, the treatment will be provided, because there has to be a balance of all the hormones to maintain the levels of testosterone. However, these treatments must be taken with proper study, as excess or high testosterone in women can create many complications.

Testosterone is a vital steroid hormone, and low levels of this will sure make life dull . But with proper medical guidance and treatment, there are possibilities of a normal and colorful life again.