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Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone but it also plays a vital role in female health. It can affect mood, muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being. Despite its importance, testosterone in women is often overlooked in medical discussions and research.
Some women, with proper medical advice, choose to engage in testosterone therapy (TRT). If you've been experiencing fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass, TRT might be an option. It's always important to seek a doctor's advice before starting any therapy.
Curious if TRT is right for you? Click through now.
Testosterone therapy, or TRT, is a treatment to help supplement low testosterone levels in the body. Many FDA-approved options for men exist, but none are officially approved for women.
Testosterone in women is produced naturally in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It helps regulate desire, maintains muscle and bone strength, and supports cognitive health.
At around age 30, testosterone levels begin to decline and can continue to drop gradually. When you reach mid-life, levels might be as low as 25% of what they used to be when you were younger.
Low testosterone can cause fatigue, depression, decreased libido, cognitive difficulties, and muscle loss.
Though testosterone therapy for women has never been officially approved by the FDA, it is still prescribed off-label. Doctors and medical professionals often work with compounding pharmacies to create doses that are lower in strength and therefore more suitable for female patients.
When a woman is experiencing menopause, her estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels will decline which can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and low libido. Some studies show that if testosterone therapy is combined with estrogen, it might help improve overall well-being.
TRT can be completed through oral tablets, gels, or injected pellets. Some doctors prefer creams or gels so they can better control the dosage.
Your doctor or medical professional will check your testosterone levels before ever prescribing TRT. They will also measure the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which can impact the amount of testosterone that is available for the body to use.
Women require only about one-tenth of the testosterone dose prescribed for men. Because there are no FDA-approved testosterone treatments for women, doctors will often rely on custom formulations, meaning consistency in dosing can be challenging.
Women using TRT have reported increased energy, better mood, improved muscle strength, and enhanced cognitive function. However, more long-term studies are needed.
One benefit of TRT in women is its ability to improve intimacy. Studies show that low-dose testosterone can help women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Testosterone is important in muscle maintenance, strength, and body composition. Some women have reported improved stamina and physical endurance with TRT.
While results and benefits are anecdotal, women say that using testosterone helps to enhance their focus, mental clarity, and even their emotional stability.
There aren't any long-term studies on the impact of TRT on women. Short-term studies suggest it's safe, but questions remain about whether it could affect heart disease and breast cancer.
Medical experts disagree about the use of testosterone therapy in women. Some advocate for its benefits, while others warn about the lack of regulatory oversight, inconsistent dosing, and unknown long-term effects.
TRT can have short-term side effects including acne, hair growth in unexpected areas, mood changes, and irritability.
Excess testosterone can cause effects like a deepened voice, excessive body hair, and more. High doses may also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, blood clots, and infertility.
While some women experience positive results, other women choose to stop because the testosterone is causing hair thinning, aggression, or acne breakouts.
Testosterone contributes to mood regulation, and some women have reported feeling less moody and more balanced when doing TRT. However, if you're not careful, too much testosterone might cause you to become irritable.
It's very important to regularly monitor testosterone levels while on TRT. This can help you avoid too much testosterone and the harmful side effects.
Some studies done with men suggest that testosterone therapy does not increase heart disease risk, but research on women is far from sufficient. Experts say that until more data is available, women should approach TRT with careful medical supervision.
Testosterone can help maintain bone density. There is even some evidence that suggests TRT may reduce osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. More studies are needed, though.
Women face a lot of issues with obtaining TRT. This includes a lack of FDA approval, thus limited insurance coverage and lots of medical skepticism.
Testosterone influences body fat distribution. Some women who do TRT notice changes in weight and fat loss.
There is a common myth that women who take testosterone will develop traditionally male characteristics. However, if properly dosed and with medical supervision, TRT can offer benefits without the woman developing these features. It's important to first seek a doctor's medical advice.
Research is still very limited for women in terms of TRT. Experts hope that future studies will lead to safer, more effective FDA-approved testosterone treatments for female health.
Lifestyle changes like strength training, reducing stress, improving sleep, and eating a balanced diet can help support natural testosterone production.
Sometimes, testosterone is used for gender-nonconforming or trans patients who intend to medically transition. In the end, whether you are transgender or cisgender, it's important to seek a medical professional's advice before taking any testosterone.
Sources: (Time) (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (Harvard Health Publishing)
See also: How to boost testosterone naturally
Testosterone in women: everything you need to know
What is TRT, and why is it important?
HEALTH Hormones
Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone but it also plays a vital role in female health. It can affect mood, muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being. Despite its importance, testosterone in women is often overlooked in medical discussions and research.
Some women, with proper medical advice, choose to engage in testosterone therapy (TRT). If you've been experiencing fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass, TRT might be an option. It's always important to seek a doctor's advice before starting any therapy.
Curious if TRT is right for you? Click through now.