Testosterone Therapy for Women

Testosterone, a male hormone, is also produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands of women. The amount of testosterone produced in women is around one seventh the amount produced in men. As in men, this hormone is essential for women too. Testosterone plays a very important role in women. It helps in increasing the sex drive, maintaining muscle strength and bone mass, provides relief from the symptoms of menopause, reduces tenderness of the breasts, etc. A deficiency of this hormone can give rise to many health problems.

Symptoms and Causes of Testosterone Deficiency

A deficiency of testosterone in women is characterized by low energy levels, lack of sexual desire, dry skin and brittle scalp hair, depression, decreased muscle mass, thinning or loss of pubic hair (rare), lack of orgasm, weakness, etc. This condition may be due to various reasons. Menopause is one of the common reasons for a decreased level of testosterone. Testosterone deficiency may develop around two to three years before menopause and some women may experience this condition during the five years following the menopause. Some women may experience gradual changes, whereas sudden changes can occur in some others. Hysterectomy can be another reason for the deficiency of this hormone. Some women who undergo hysterectomy may be affected with this condition even if the ovaries are kept intact. Chemotherapy can affect the functioning of ovaries and thereby cause a deficiency of testosterone. Childbirth is another reason, but above all, some may experience this condition without any particular reason.

Modes of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy in women is still a much-debated and controversial subject. Testosterone can be administered in the form of pills, injection, cream / gel or pellets. The last one, i.e. pellets are implanted just below the skin of the lower abdomen (frontal area) as patch. It is believed that pellets are best suited for women, unlike tablets and injections, which were primarily aimed at men and contain high doses, which are not needed for women. The pellets, once implanted, slowly release the hormone and lasts for around four to five months. Another alternative is low-dose patches, which are applied to the stomach, thighs, back or upper arms. Testosterone is released into the system in a gradual manner. It may cause some irritation in some women.

Side-Effects of Testosterone Therapy

It is observed that testosterone therapy is associated with many side-effects. It can affect the normal blood flow, cause hair loss on the scalp, water retention, aggravate breast and liver cancer, elevate cholesterol levels, cause severe acne, etc. Testosterone therapy can also cause growth of facial hair, deepening of voice, enlargement of clitoris and stimulation of mood swings. If you are undergoing testosterone therapy, it is very important to monitor your cholesterol levels and liver functions regularly.

Never start this treatment without consulting a doctor and without undergoing the necessary tests, because of the side-effects associated with it. It is said to be detrimental for women with insufficient amount of estrogen and in females with a history of breast and uterine cancer. Testosterone therapy is not recommended for women with cardiovascular or liver disease and during the period of pregnancy and lactation. Post menopausal women and those who have undergone hysterectomy should go for very low doses of testosterone. It is important to find out the right dose of testosterone needed individually, on a case-by-case basis.