If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual, less interested in sex, or even a bit down, it’s easy to brush off these changes as a part of the natural aging process.
Many women blame age for changes in energy, mood, and libido. They assume these shifts are normal and unavoidable. However, these symptoms might actually be pointing to an underlying and treatable condition: a hormone imbalance. Read more about how to treat low testosterone in females with replacement therapy.
What are Hormones?
Hormones function as an internal messaging system throughout your body. They carry critical instructions to different organs and systems, keeping your body in balance.
When they work optimally, you can feel emotionally and physically healthy. But if something throws them off, like stress, age, or specific health issues, your mood, libido, and even your bone health can suffer.
For women, three major hormones are:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
Although estrogen and progesterone are typically the focus of women’s health, testosterone is important, too.
Testosterone is produced by a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands, though in smaller quantities than in men. It helps with everything from bone strength to sexual drive.
Why Do Hormone Levels Drop?
A variety of factors can push hormones below their ideal ranges, including:
- Aging and menopause. As you approach and pass menopause, your ovaries naturally slow down hormone production.
- Surgical removal of the ovaries.
- Ongoing stress.
- Medical conditions such as:
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- thyroid issues
- autoimmune disorders
- adrenal problems
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Symptoms of Low Hormone Levels
Not everyone experiences the exact same symptoms. Some women might only notice subtle signs, like feeling slightly more tired than usual or experiencing mild changes in mood. Others may feel a dramatic shift that impacts their daily life. Signs of low hormone levels include:
- Feeling sluggish, down, or less motivated
- A noticeable decrease in sexual desire
- Difficulty building or maintaining muscle tone
- Weight fluctuations due to changes in metabolism
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
If these symptoms are familiar, your doctor can complete a full medical evaluation to find the cause. This typically includes:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms
- A review of your medical history
- Laboratory tests to check your hormone levels and other relevant health markers.
Your doctor will also discuss your personal goals, such as managing menopause symptoms or boosting sex drive.
Testosterone Therapy for Women
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore your hormonal balance.
Options can include topical creams or injections with a dose customized to boost your levels and provide symptom relief.
With TRT many women report:
- Feeling more energy
- Less difficulty managing weight
- Finding it easier to stay active
- A boosted libido
- An increase in lean muscle mass
Throughout treatment, your doctor will monitor your levels to ensure they are improving while side effects are minimized.
Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy
Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones responsible for many functions in your body, including regulating your menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, and supporting heart and brain health. During menopause or perimenopause, levels naturally decline. Hormone replacement can help.
Hormone therapy is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to manage symptoms.
Some women will use combination therapies that address testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels together. Regular check-ups are needed to monitor your response and adjust treatment if necessary.
Risks of Testosterone Therapy for Women
The benefits of symptom relief and improved quality of life often outweigh the risks when testosterone replacement therapy for women is carefully monitored. Potential risks can vary depending on the type of hormones used, your age, overall health, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on the individual and type of therapy, common concerns include an increased risk of:
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Certain types of cancer
- Cardiovascular issues
While hormone therapy offers significant benefits, it’s not for everyone, especially if you have a history of:
- Breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
- Blood clots or stroke
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
Testosterone Therapy for Women FAQs
1. Will I gain weight if I go on testosterone therapy?
Not necessarily. Properly managed therapy often helps maintain a healthy metabolism rather than promoting weight gain.
2. Can estrogen or progesterone therapy be combined with testosterone?
Yes. Women may benefit from a multi-hormone approach, especially if they’re navigating menopause or have other hormonal issues. Your doctor can assess your health and provide a plan that includes the hormones you need to feel your best.
3. How soon will I notice results once I start testosterone therapy?
Every woman’s timeline varies, but it can take several weeks, or even a few months, to see significant changes in energy, mood, or libido.
