Low Testosterone Level, Female Last updated: Jun 30, 2009

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  Low Testosterone Level, Female  
 

 
Signs, symptoms and indicators | Conditions that suggest it | Contributing risk factors | It can lead to... | Recommendations

 
 

Testosterone was once considered an exclusively male hormone. Men produce 10 to 15 times more than women, but research over the past decade has demonstrated that this hormone also plays a definite role in women's physical and psychological health, particularly their sex drive. Testosterone, which is significantly reduced following surgical or natural menopause, regulates a woman's libido. Heightened libido is not the only benefit of testosterone; many women report that they have more energy and a greater sense of well-being.

 
 

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Low Testosterone Level, Female:
 
 
Lab Values - HormonesCounter-indicators:
  Having normal/having high testosterone levels

Symptoms - Metabolic
  Low stamina

Counter-indicators:
  High stamina

Symptoms - Mind - Emotional
  Impatient/hostile disposition

Symptoms - Reproductive - General
  Difficulty achieving orgasm
 To increase clitoral sensitivity, and therefore orgasm, testosterone can be applied directly to the clitoris. The cream should be applied in a small amount to the clitoris and inner labia three times per week at bedtime and half an hour before sex if it doesn't fall on one of those days. Using too much can result in increased genital hair growth or an enlargement of the clitoris.

  Vaginal itching
 
 

Conditions that suggest Low Testosterone Level, Female:
 
 
Autoimmune  Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
 Findings in animal and human studies point to a defect in testosterone production in the affected female who suffers from lupus. Until we are able to change the genetic makeup of these individuals, the most promising therapy might be anabolic therapy with DHEA, testosterone and human growth hormone replacement. [Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) by Edward M. Lichten, M.D.]

Hormones
  Low Sex Drive

Counter-indicators:
  Hirsutism

Skin-Hair-Nails
  Dry skin
 Dry and thin skin may be a sign of lack of oil production from your sebaceous glands. A lack of oil production can be related to a decline in testosterone. Normally it is believed that testosterone can only worsen skin by causing breakouts of acne. However, low testosterone levels can lead to worsening of skin conditions as well. Restoring testosterone to normal levels can make skin look much thicker and smoother than it was before.

Uro-Genital
  Vaginal Dryness
 
 

Risk factors for Low Testosterone Level, Female:
 
 
Autoimmune  Hyperthyroidism
 Elevated estradiol and depressed bioavailable testosterone have been cited as the cause of sexual dysfunction common in hyperthyroid individuals.

Lab Values - Hormones
  Having reduced/having low free testosterone

Counter-indicators:
  Having normal/having elevated free testosterone

Supplements and Medications
  Past testosterone use

Counter-indicators:
  Testosterone use

Symptoms - Food - Intake
  (Very) low fat/oil intake
 
 

Low Testosterone Level, Female can lead to:
 
 
Autoimmune  Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
 Findings in animal and human studies point to a defect in testosterone production in the affected female who suffers from lupus. Until we are able to change the genetic makeup of these individuals, the most promising therapy might be anabolic therapy with DHEA, testosterone and human growth hormone replacement. [Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) by Edward M. Lichten, M.D.]

Hormones
  Low Sex Drive
 
 

Recommendations for Low Testosterone Level, Female:
 
 
Amino Acid / Protein  Arginine
 Pilot research suggests that libido enhancement can be achieved by the use of L-arginine containing nutraceutical products also containing DHEA. [The Female Sexual Function Forum, Boston, Mass. 2000]

Animal-based
  Glandular / Live Cell Therapy

Botanical
  Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Diet
  High Fat Diet

Hormone
  Testosterone
  DHEA
 Normal women were given either 100mg of DHEA or 100mg of androstenedione, a metabolite of DHEA, in an older trial. The study found that both hormones led to elevated testosterone levels, but androstenedione increased testosterone levels twice as much as DHEA. In the women given DHEA, testosterone levels (normally less than 199 ng/dl), rose to 280 ng/dI within 60 minutes. The second group, taking androstenedione, had testosterone levels elevated as high as 660 ng/dl an hour later. This elevation lasted only a few hours, indicating that androstenedione may be useful for specific purposes such as climax enhancement or body building.

Lab Tests/Rule-Outs
  Test / Monitor Hormone levels
  Test Testosterone Levels
 
 


KEY
Weak or unproven link
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
Strongly counter-indicative
Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative
May do some good
Likely to help
Highly recommended







GLOSSARY

Acne:  A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).

Anabolic:  Anabolic compounds: Allow the conversion of nutritive material into complex living matter in the constructive metabolism.

DHEA:  Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.

Hormones:  Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Menopause:  The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.

Testosterone:  The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.