Do women need testosterone?
Although testosterone is most commonly associated with men’s health, that doesn't mean it is not important for women as well. Women need lower levels of testosterone than men, but they do produce testosterone in small amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Those small amounts can still be critical to your overall health and well-being. Testosterone is important to your sex drive, your fertility and the production of new red blood cells. Testosterone affects your muscle mass and how you distribute fat. Hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for low testosterone is not just for men. In the presence of low testosterone, women can also benefit from testosterone replacement therapy as well.
How do you test for low testosterone levels in women?
Your symptoms may suggest low testosterone, but our medical team confirms your testosterone levels with a simple blood sample. We will also assess your overall health and talk to you about how you are feeling. If our medical team thinks you may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, they will talk to you about your options.
How do you treat low testosterone levels?
If your testosterone levels are low, our medical team may recommend a treatment protocol of the bioidentical hormone replacement of testosterone via injection. Injections are our preferred method for HRT because they allow our medical team to control the dosage, closely monitor your levels and make adjustments as necessary. You'll come in to our HerKare office every couple of weeks for an injection and a quick check of those levels.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
You might have low testosterone if your sex drive is suffering or if you are experiencing vaginal dryness. Generally feeling weak and fatigued can be another symptom of low testosterone as well as weight gain and insomnia. Low testosterone can make your periods irregular and affect your fertility. Bioidenticals offer natural testosterone hormone replacement that may help you feel better.
What causes low testosterone in women?
Menopause is a time that brings a number of hormonal changes that may be treated with HRT, and testosterone is one of those hormones that is present in declining levels for many women as they age. However, low testosterone may occur for reasons other than menopause, such as when ovaries have been removed or in the presence of a condition known as adrenal insufficiency in which your adrenal glands do not function properly.