Testosterone & Estrogen in Women: High vs Low vs. Normal Levels
How to Treat Low Testosterone in Females Serving Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand
This personalized approach ensures that your prescription is uniquely suited to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms caused by low testosterone levels while providing all the benefits of BHRT. From maintaining hormonal balance to improving energy, cognition, and mood, testosterone-boosting BHRT offers women a comprehensive approach to optimizing their overall health and well-being. This approach not only addresses physical symptoms but also contributes to an enhanced quality of life by improving and maintaining hormonal balance. Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT uses naturally sourced, plant-based ingredients. These ingredients are carefully converted into bioidentical hormones, meaning they match and mimic your body’s native hormones precisely.
Testosterone therapy is recommended for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women. Some doctors may use it off-label for other medical conditions like depression. If your body doesn't get enough of a hormone called testosterone, you may have low levels. But how low testosterone impacts women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) isn't clear. Testosterone levels affect fertility, sex drive, red blood cell production, muscle mass, testicles twisted and fat distribution.
This biological mimicry eliminates the need for your body to convert any compounds, making BHRT a potentially more precise and efficient hormonal treatment option. Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the midsection, can be a sign of low testosterone in women. If you notice a change in body composition that isn’t related to a change in diet or exercise, hormonal factors such as a reduction in testosterone could be the driving cause. To prepare for a testosterone test, a healthcare provider may recommend fasting for several hours before getting the blood sample.
She has worked in pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. Your doctor may suggest using an off-label testosterone patch or cream. And they may give you a progesterone pill for 10 days to see if your period starts. Your doctor will talk to you about which test is best for your health. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any testosterone or related medications and supplements.
A menopausal woman experiences a dramatic decrease in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. While estrogen loss is widely discussed, testosterone deficiency can also contribute to common menopause symptoms like fatigue, depression, and difficulty maintaining muscle tone. Understanding how testosterone production influences your body during this transition can help you make informed choices about treatment options. Low testosterone levels can lead to numerous health problems that can take a serious toll on a woman’s day-to-day livelihood. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's important to talk to a licensed and trusted healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Healthcare providers can use a blood test to measure the amount of androgen hormones in your blood. But changing hormone levels can make it difficult to accurately identify an androgen deficiency. The normal range for testosterone in women is 15 to 70 ng/dL, but where you fall within that range may depend on your age and other health factors. Perimenopause and menopause are two periods in a woman’s life where hormone levels in the body change immensely. A decrease in oestrogen and progesterone is most prominent during this time, but testosterone also decreases with perimenopause and menopause.
There are limited data on absorption kinetics and consistency of absorption of testosterone. Because levels of testosterone have to be monitored carefully and none of these products are standardized, they are not widely recommended for use. Although not officially approved for use by women in the United States, various pharmacies can compound testosterone in a cream or 1% gel form, as these have been approved for men. One of the most widespread myths is that testosterone is solely a male hormone. While men do produce more testosterone than women, it is crucial for both men’s and women’s health. Women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, and it plays a key role in various physiological processes, including libido, energy levels, mood regulation, and muscle mass maintenance.
"There is not a lab value on traditional labs that's specific for women and testosterone. There's not even a diagnostic code for suboptimal testosterone for women. We get to be the pioneers of testosterone health through hormone replacement therapy" says Meeker.
Lower levels of testosterone in women can impact this brain structure and result in hot flashes. Too much estrogen can cause your sex drive to drop and your weight to go up, particularly around your waist and hips. You also may experience changes to your periods — with bleeding either lighter or heavier than normal and your cycle’s timing becoming unpredictable. Women and people AFAB with low body fat often do not make enough of the sex hormones. You may also experience low estrogen if you have been given certain drugs.
