About Testosterone Therapy in Women

Testosterone levels are at their highest when a woman is in her 20s, and lowest when menopause begins to set in. Women need testosterone just as much as men, and in order for a woman to maintain a healthy libido, testosterone levels need to remain in check. When a woman reaches the age of menopause, or has had a surgical procedure in which the ovaries have been removed, her hormone levels tend to plummet. And because the ovaries are so critical in the production of hormones, HRT, also known as hormone replacement therapy, may be necessary. Unfortunately, physicians tend to focus more on estrogen replacement than testosterone. But with the help of research, interest in testosterone therapy for women is beginning to grow.

Identification

Testosterone is often associated with the male sex drive, aggression and muscle tone. But healthy women also have a small amount of testosterone hormones in their system that control mood and sex drive. When the level of testosterone in a woman's body is decreased, sexual dysfunction can set in. Known as an anabolic steroid, testosterone is actually formed from cholesterol and is the hormone responsible for the distinguishing characteristics between women and men.

Types

Testosterone therapy can be given by injection or through small, adhesive patches that are applied to the body and dispense a controlled amount of hormone into the system. Testosterone injections are usually given every two to three weeks, as needed, and the hormone is injected into the buttocks. A testosterone patch is worn on the abdomen, releasing small amounts of testosterone hormone into the system and is replaced with a new patch every three days.

Another alternative is the use of topical testosterone that is available in gel form. These gels are often prescribed in 3 percent strengths and applied once a day. Oral testosterone is also an option, but because it has been found to harm the liver, its use has become rare.

Considerations

Studies are ongoing relating to testosterone in women and the possible side effects that can occur with increased doses. While it has been proved that testosterone given in higher doses can greatly improve a woman's libido, the benefits may not outweigh the consequences. In fact, women who are considering testosterone therapy may wish to examine some of the controversies that surround the use of testosterone therapy and the risks of acquiring breast cancer. Some studies show that women, who have participated in clinical trials, have developed breast cancer after taking high doses of testosterone.

Warning

Low doses of testosterone therapy may cause facial hair growth, mild skin eruptions and slight weight gain. Testosterone therapy that is introduced in larger doses may result in more severe side effects such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. For a menopausal woman, increased testosterone levels may intensify her menopausal symptoms. It is also important that safe birth control precautions be taken because testosterone therapy can cause birth defects.

Potential

Women who are interested in a libido boost, but who are leery of testosterone therapy, may want to think about the use of an herbal supplement instead. Naturalists believe that adding daniana, dong quai, chasteberry or black cohosh supplements to a woman's diet increases the potential for a healthy sex drive.

Resources

• MayoClinic
• Discovery Health
• Healing Well

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[meacham01]

on 1/28/2009 Very informative article. I especially liked the types and considerations. I learned a great deal from this.