Total Testosterone Test for Women: Know Your Hormone Levels

Testosterone and Low Libido in Women

Alternatively, BHRT can be administered as a suppository, which also circumvents the digestive system and reduces systemic side effects. This therapy is inserted rectally or vaginally, where hormones are released gradually to promote sustained results. Suppositories are suitable for those who may have challenges with oral administration and provide an option for individuals seeking localized hormone therapy. BHRT is available in various forms to cater to individual preferences and needs.

“When testosterone replacement is used in women, a fraction of the dose used in men is typically prescribed, but it is still considered an off-label use of the medication,” says Barrera. Currently, there aren’t any testosterone replacement therapies approved by the U.S. “While it’s not a very common symptom of low testosterone, some people do find it harder to focus or concentrate,” Dr. Yogi-Morren notes. Research shows that testosterone may help protect your brain from cognitive decline and the development of dementia. But even if your low testosterone isn’t identified as a syndrome, the symptoms are real and sometimes treatable.

Depending on which lab performs your testosterone test, normal values may vary slightly from these. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts but differ. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as its sources do. Avoid DHEA supplements if you have a family history of hormone-related tumors like breast, ovarian, or adrenal cancer.

These products are designed to mirror the hormones naturally produced by the body. Not only does menopause mess with your estrogen and progesterone levels, but it can also throw your testosterone levels off balance. You may be surprised to find out that medications that combat the side effects of menopause, like oral estrogen, can lower testosterone levels. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves supplementing the body with bioidentical hormones to address hormonal imbalances. These hormones are structurally identical to the hormones your body naturally produces, which means they blend in seamlessly with your hormonal ecosystem. The normal range of testosterone levels in women varies depending on age, stage of the menstrual cycle, and other factors.

Dimitrakakis suggest that maintaining adequate testosterone levels in women may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and emphasize that having enough testosterone is good for the heart. Low testosterone levels can also contribute to women experiencing sudden and unexplained mood swings. If you are struggling with heightened emotions that seem to occur without apparent reasons, it’s worth exploring hormonal factors that may be influencing your mood stability. Testosterone is thought to play a vital role in erythropoiesis, which is the production of red blood cells. This means that adequate levels of testosterone help the body produce the correct amount of red blood cells, contributing to the overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Testosterone is crucial for women to maintain healthy sexual function. It contributes to functional levels of arousal, lubrication, and enhanced sexual satisfaction.

These include creams, ointments and gels that go on the legs, arms or stomach area. The type and amount you take relate to safety risks, so talk with your health care team about the pros and cons of each. A 2021 study demonstrates the importance of vitamin D metabolites related to hormonal regulation in postmenopausal women. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all made from dietary cholesterol, a dietary fat. If you don’t absorb fat well or eat enough healthy fat in your diet, making the proper amount of hormones may be challenging.

Testosterone is a sex hormone that develops the male reproductive tissues and sperm. It is also important for the overall health of women and people assigned female at birth. The body needs testosterone to produce new red blood cells, support muscle health, and maintain bone mass. Therefore, diagnosing sexual dysfunction in women should not depend on testosterone levels, because the levels are not very reliable in females. On the other hand, before prescribing testosterone therapy, health care providers should check testosterone levels to make sure they aren’t high.

Contact Nava Health today to learn how much test do pro bodybuilders take testosterone replacement therapy can help restore your vitality and confidence. About a quarter of a woman’s testosterone is produced in the adrenal gland, so any dysfunction with the adrenal glands could potentially impact testosterone production. A functional medicine approach to low female testosterone focuses on addressing potential underlying factors rather than just managing symptoms. This article will discuss low testosterone in females and its possible causes, review some functional medicine labs that can be useful, and explore options that may help support healthy testosterone levels. Because testosterone plays a role in libido, women with lower-than-normal levels of testosterone may also experience hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Low testosterone (or “low T”) in women is the production of too little testosterone, a type of sex hormone. In women, testosterone is produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands.