Low Dose Testosterone Therapy for Females: Benefits, Risks, and More

Long-term risks are still being studied, so it is important to monitor hormone levels and health regularly with a doctor. For men, testosterone is often prescribed for low testosterone levels related to aging or medical conditions. However, the FDA has not approved testosterone products specifically for use in women, except in rare cases like treating low libido in postmenopausal women. Some people believe that testosterone therapy for women may cause them to develop male characteristics, like a deeper voice or increased facial hair. While it’s true that testosterone therapy can cause some side effects, especially if the dose is too high, this does not mean that women will suddenly start looking or sounding like men.

Women who received testosterone therapy reported feeling less anxious and depressed, and they also noticed improvements in their cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration. However, not all testosterone converts to estrogen, and the balance of both hormones must be monitored by a healthcare provider. Too much estrogen or testosterone can create problems, so doctors often recommend regular blood tests to track hormone levels and make adjustments to the dosage if necessary. Estrogen is one of the main female sex hormones, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, and supporting heart health. During menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline, and this can lead to various symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss. Many women take estrogen therapy during menopause to manage these symptoms. Testosterone therapy can be beneficial for many women experiencing low testosterone levels, but it is not the right option for everyone.

Over-the-counter DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) supplements are promoted as another way to boost testosterone levels, since DHEA converts to testosterone in the body. However, there’s little reliable evidence that the supplements reduce menopausal symptoms or improve sexual function in healthy women. A study in Australia looked at transdermal testosterone cream for postmenopausal women.

Supplements and replacement therapies may cause more unpleasant side effects than they relieve. However, the quantity of testosterone in the medication may not be enough to raise levels, or the body may not be able to absorb them sufficiently. If a female reports any of the symptoms listed above, a doctor will likely check for other, more common conditions first. Because the symptoms linked to low testosterone are so common and can be vague, a doctor looks for signs of other issues or conditions before making a diagnosis. There are different preparations available, such as creams and patches. Many health care providers use the testosterone preparations on the market approved for use in men — but at one-tenth of the dose. In general, testosterone from compounding pharmacies is overall discouraged or at least should be carefully and only cautiously considered.

This is because testosterone can affect these areas, especially at higher doses. Regular checkups help to catch any potential issues early and allow the doctor to adjust the treatment as needed. No matter the method, regular follow-ups with a doctor are important to make sure the testosterone levels stay balanced and the therapy is working as expected. Adjustments in dosage or method may be needed over time, depending on how well a woman responds to the treatment and how her body absorbs the testosterone.

Your doctor may change the dose slightly or suggest a different form of therapy if needed. Ongoing monitoring allows the treatment to remain safe and effective over time. Long-term studies are crucial because they help doctors understand the safety of testosterone therapy over many years. Researchers are looking at whether low-dose telemedicine testosterone – sonnenreiter.de – therapy could have any cardiovascular effects, such as influencing blood pressure or cholesterol. They are also exploring its effects on bone density and muscle strength. Some studies suggest that testosterone may have a protective effect on bone health, which is especially important for postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis. After the initial period of adjustments, low-dose testosterone therapy usually becomes easier to manage.

If testosterone cream isn’t fully absorbed by your skin, or your hands aren’t thoroughly washed after applying it, you could unintentionally transfer some onto children or pets. Prolonged exposure to testosterone can cause genital enlargement, pubic hair growth, and aggressive behavior in children. Many healthcare providers, including myself, hope more research and FDA approval will come soon; in the meantime, many prescribe TRT off-label as they deem appropriate. While testosterone pellets have been FDA-approved for use in men since 1972, they remain an “investigational” treatment for women. Davis also points out that there is a “huge placebo effect” when it comes to sexual health, because the mind plays a crucial role in sexual well-being.

Doctors use a combination of symptoms and blood work in deciding whom to treat. Applying a small amount of 1% testosterone cream over a week or longer, rather than all at once daily, may help avoid side effects like acne or hair growth in some women. Due to individual differences, testosterone replacement therapy requires a personalized approach with careful dosage adjustments over time. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your testosterone levels and reaching your weight goal. Don’t take supplements before talking with your doctor — these were designed for people who need much higher levels. And it’s usually off-label use to treat your premature menopause symptoms. And they may give you a progesterone pill for 10 days to see if your period starts.

Only samples with a purity of ≥ 90% CD4+ TNAIVE cells (TN) of total CD4+ were used for further experiments. It’s always best to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Half (50%) of the participants were bachelor’s degree holders, and 12.5% had completed their PhD in different disciplines. In the context of occupation, 30% were students, followed by 40% housewives and 30% working ladies.

These could include oily skin, acne, unusual hair growth, or changes in mood. Sometimes, even if your blood test looks normal, your symptoms may suggest that an adjustment is needed. Typically, doctors will look at both “total testosterone” and “free testosterone” levels. Total testosterone includes all the testosterone in your body, while free testosterone measures only the testosterone that is available for your body to use. It’s important to note that some mild side effects might occur in the beginning. These could include slight skin irritation if using a cream, or mild acne due to the body adapting to new hormone levels. Such side effects are usually temporary and may go away as the body balances itself.