Testosterone for Women

Testosterone for women with TRT

Testosterone is generally thought of as a ‘male hormone’ but the reality is, it’s just as important for women too! As men need a little oestrogen in their system, women need some testosterone in theirs. In fact, female testosterone levels are only 10% different to levels in men.

Androgens like testosterone are important for the development and maintenance of the female sex organs, physiology and libido. Like in andropause for men, testosterone also declines during menopause for women along with oestrogen and progesterone which can cause a hormone imbalance. This can lead to unfavourable symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can help counteract the negative effects of low testosterone during menopause. If you’re looking into starting TRT, you should get in contact with your GP. Alternatively, you can book a free consultation with our specialised doctors who will assess your symptoms and determine a suitable treatment plan for you.

Testosterone Levels

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Effects of Low
Testosterone Levels

adulthood

Menopausal symptoms

Pregnancy

Low libido

Postmenopause

Muscle loss, joint pain,
incontinence

Ranges of normal
Testosterone Levels

adulthood

6-86 ng/ dL

Pregnancy

26-309 ng/ dL

Postmenopause

2-41 ng/ dL

Effects of high
Testosterone Levels

adulthood

PCOS, acne, hirsutism

Pregnancy

Androgen excess for fetus

Postmenopause

Insulin resistance, coronary heart disease

What does testosterone control
in the female body?

Testosterone like any other hormone helps keep our bodily functions in check which ultimately ensures we are feeling our best. Testosterone contributes to the regulation of libido, energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and muscle mass in women. It also plays a role in bone density and overall metabolic function. Beyond its reproductive functions, testosterone supports overall vitality and helps sustain a healthy hormonal balance.

At Balance My Hormones, we recognise the multifaceted role of hormones in a woman’s body. Our doctors can help balance your hormones correctly with bio-identical oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

What are the benefits of normal testosterone
levels in women?

Sex Drive
Just as testosterone is important in men when it comes to libido, the same is true in women. Having a normal level of testosterone in the body contributes to a healthy sex drive and enhances the mood while also being mostly responsible for clitoral and nipple sensitivity to stimulation. It can help to improve and enable orgasms and sexual responses during intercourse. When a woman has abnormal levels of testosterone it can have a negative effect on their sex drive and overall sexual functioning
Increased cognitive function
Balanced testosterone levels in the female body play a significant role in cognitive function, encompassing various aspects of mental acuity and performance. Research suggests that testosterone receptors are present in brain regions involved in memory, attention, and executive functions. Optimal testosterone levels have been associated with improved cognitive abilities, including enhanced memory retention, sharper focus, and quicker information processing.
Bone/Muscle Health
Testosterone is responsible for much more than just sex drive and libido. It is largely responsible for helping to maintain bone and muscle health throughout the body. For both men and women, the process of ageing or experiencing unnaturally low levels of testosterone can contribute to poor and worsening bone and muscle health. If you want to experience good muscle and bone health, it is important that you maintain a healthy level of testosterone in the body and that any unnatural imbalance is addressed through HRT or another treatment method.
Metabolic Health
Balanced testosterone levels in women are pivotal for metabolic health, regulating energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, body composition, lipid profile, and appetite control. Optimal testosterone levels support a healthy metabolic rate, aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Energy and Mood
Testosterone and proper testosterone levels also play a large part in determining the level of energy and the quality of your mood on any given day. When you are low on testosterone levels, you are more susceptible to mood swings due to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, you may experience fatigue at a higher rate. Your sense of well-being and mood will be altered due to the imbalance.
Menopause
Menopause is a process that every woman will go through in their lifetime and is brought on by a drop in all the sex hormones including testosterone. Testosterone treatment for menopausal women is known to be successful at reducing, if not eliminating unwanted menopause symptoms.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women

If you hope to overcome low testosterone and achieve normal testosterone levels in your body, then you will need to know what to look for when it comes to symptoms. The first step to getting treatment is being able to identify symptoms that’re caused by low testosterone. While there is no way to know for sure if you are experiencing low levels of testosterone without a blood test, you can make things easier on yourself by looking out for specific side effects that could be telltale signs that you have low levels of testosterone.

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Lower Energy/Fatigue
Testosterone is very important for maintaining energy levels in the body. Without the right balance, both men and women may experience fatigue and a lack of energy to get through the day. Fatigue can be a symptom of a lot of conditions, so you don’t want to jump to conclusions if you are only fatigued. A combination of low testosterone symptoms is more likely to lead to a diagnosis.
Decreased Bone Density
If your testosterone levels are not balanced for a prolonged period of time, you could experience a decrease in bone health and bone density. This is a clear side effect of prolonged neglect of testosterone balance. It is important that if you are experiencing decreased bone health or have tested for low testosterone, you address the situation quickly so that it doesn’t do irreparable harm to your body.
Less Muscle Mass
For anyone that pays attention to their muscle mass and health, low testosterone can pose a threat. Testosterone plays a huge part in regulating muscle mass and helping to build muscle, especially for individuals that are active and physically fit. If you are having trouble building muscle, it may be worth looking at low testosterone as a potential cause. Talk with your doctor or specialist about these side effects to learn more about what the testosterone imbalance is really doing to your body.
Lowered Sex Drive
Another area of the body that testosterone is heavily involved in is sex drive and libido levels. Individuals that are experiencing low testosterone, whether they are aware of the condition or not, often see their sex drive dip dramatically. If you are experiencing a low sex drive, it could be because of low testosterone or an imbalance in your hormones. Low libido can negatively impact your intimate relationships and confidence, so if you are experiencing this side effect, it’s best that you address it sooner rather than later.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women

While many people consider low testosterone to be the main problem when it comes to testosterone, it is just as likely that someone experiences high testosterone. There are some symptoms that are present for both sides, but there are also symptoms that are exclusive or more likely to occur in those that are experiencing high levels of testosterone. If you want to be aware of if you have high testosterone levels, then you should look out for the following symptoms:

Deeper voice
Hair loss
Prolonged infertility
Increased facial and body hair
Irregular menstrual cycle/lack of cycle

It’s important to note that detecting hormone imbalance is not always straightforward, so you could experience one, none, or a combination of all of these symptoms if you have high testosterone in your body. If you do have these symptoms, it’s probably a good indication of a hormone imbalance and you should speak with a specialist that works with hormone imbalance. Read more about high testosterone in women here.

What are normal testosterone levels for women?

Typically, testosterone levels in women range from 6 to 86 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). However, it’s important to note that these levels vary based on factors such as age, menstrual cycle stage, and individual overall health.

If you’re worried about your testosterone levels, we’d advise you to contact your health provider for a hormone screening blood test. This will provide you with an accurate blood-testosterone reading which will then determine whether you have healthy testosterone levels.

How to solve testosterone imbalance

Now that you know a bit about the symptoms that are associated with testosterone hormone imbalance and what can occur when it isn’t treated, the next step is treating it.

Hormone imbalance is fairly common, yet still, so many people go undiagnosed. Those who have received a low testosterone or hormone imbalance diagnosis, however, find themselves living much more pleasant lives without the trouble of the side effects that come along with testosterone imbalance.

One of the best ways to treat testosterone or hormone imbalance is with a customised, proven testosterone replacement therapy treatment plan. This treatment helps to evaluate the level of testosterone in the blood and replace it with the needed testosterone so that the patient can avoid the symptoms of irregular and low testosterone levels.

How is testosterone administered?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be administered through various methods, including:

Injections:
Testosterone injections are one of the most common methods of TRT administration. These injections are typically given intramuscularly (into the muscle) and can vary in frequency, depending on the individual’s needs and the type of testosterone used.
Topical Gels or Creams:
Testosterone gels or creams are applied to the skin, usually on the upper arms, shoulders, or abdomen. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. This method allows for more stable testosterone levels but may require daily application.
Transdermal Patches:
Testosterone patches are applied to the skin and deliver a controlled dose of testosterone through the skin and into the bloodstream. Patches are usually applied to the back, abdomen, thighs, or upper arms and are typically worn for 24 hours before being replaced.
Subcutaneous Pellets:
Testosterone pellets are small, solid implants that are inserted under the skin, usually in the hip or buttock area, during a minor surgical procedure. These pellets slowly release testosterone over a period of several months, eliminating the need for frequent injections or applications.

The choice of administration methods depends on factors such as patient preference, convenience, effectiveness, and the healthcare provider’s recommendation. Typically, TRT clients choose creams and gels as they are easier to administer than injections and pellets.

How Balance My Hormones can help you treat low or high testosterone levels

Balance My Hormones offer private diagnosis of hormone imbalances through our specialist doctors and consultants. Once you have spoken to one of our doctors they will advise you on the best course of action to help balance your hormones back to normal levels.

This involves getting blood work done using our discrete home blood test kits and from there, a formal diagnosis will be made. The doctors may recommend lifestyle changes or decide that HRT or TRT is the way forward when it comes to treating your symptoms and hormonal imbalance.

Note for Women: If you are menopausal you can take this test at any time. If you are having menstrual cycles the test needs to be taken on day 1-5 of your next monthly cycle or period.

Balance My Hormones helps men and women restore their hormones to optimal levels through bespoke TRT and HRT treatment plans. We aim to offer cutting-edge international treatment methods with over 25 years of experience in hormonal health, all backed by science and British safe practices.