Low testosterone in women: what is it and how to increase it

Low testosterone in women can be noticed through the appearance of some signs, such as sexual disinterest, decrease in muscle mass, weight gain and decrease in the feeling of well being and this situation is usually related to adrenal insufficiency and menopause .

To increase the levels of testosterone in women, it is important to consult a doctor to identify the cause of its decrease and can indicate the best form of treatment, promoting the feeling of well being.

In women, it is normal for circulating levels of testosterone to be lower than in men, as this hormone is responsible for the secondary male characteristics. However, the circulation of ideal amounts of testosterone in women is important to maintain various functions of the organism.

See what are the testosterone values ​​considered normal.

How to know if testosterone is low

The decrease of the amount of testosterone in the woman can be noticed by means of some signs, being the most characteristic:

• Sexual disinterest;
• Reduction of goodwill;
• Mood swings;
• Lack of motivation;
• Persistent fatigue;
• Decreased muscle mass;
• Weight gain;
• Accumulation of body fat;
• Less bone mass.

To confirm that testosterone is insufficient in a woman, through the blood test, the blood levels of free testosterone are measured. In addition, the doctor can indicate the measurement of the levels of hydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in situations when there is a suspicion of androgen insufficiency due to adrenal causes.

main causes

The decrease in the concentration of testosterone in women can occur due to different situations, including the main conditions, aging, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate nutrition, failure or extirpation of the ovaries, use of medications with estrogens, antiandrogens, glucocorticoids, adrenal insufficiency, anorexia nervosa , rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and AIDS.

In addition, it is common that during menopause there is alteration in hormonal levels, including testosterone levels, which influence the characteristic signs and symptoms of menopause. Therefore, in some situations, the gynecologist may indicate the use of testosterone-based drugs to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, especially when replacement with other hormones is not enough.

See how to recognize the symptoms of menopause.

How to increase testosterone in women

The increase in the amount of testosterone in a woman should be carried out under medical indications and generally speaking, it is recommended when a woman has blood testosterone concentrations equal to or less than 25 ng/dL. So, some of the options of testosterone-based drugs that can be indicated by the gynecologist are:

• Injectable testosteronewhich can be found alone or combined with estrogens;
• Testosterone in pills, being able to buy in the conventional pharmacies. The safest dose is 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg daily;
• Testosterone in patches: provide 300 µg/day of testosterone and change it every 4 days;
• Testosterone Gel or Androgel, which can be prepared containing 1% to 2% Testosterone Propionate, to be applied in the intimate external region of the woman. See how to use testosterone in gel.

Testosterone-based drugs should only be used under medical indications, as they have secondary effects, such as cholesterol alteration, liver poisoning, increased risk of heart attack and breast and ovarian cancer. The treatment should not be carried out for more than 6 months, because the risks of prolonged use of testosterone in women are not known, and during the treatment it is important that examinations and a regular medical evaluation are carried out.

natural shapes

It is possible to naturally increase testosterone in women, increasing the consumption of foods rich in zinc, vitamin A and D, such as chestnuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, sardines, spinach and fish oil, for example, asimism, and avoiding consumption of foods rich in sugar and soy, which can interfere with the production of testosterone.

In addition, it is important to avoid stress and dedicate time to relaxation and exercise. The ideal is to practice some physical activity that you like at least 2 times a week for 1 hour, or daily for 30 minutes.

See other ways to increase testosterone.

Possible risks of taking supplements

The use of testosterone by women only is indicated when it is recommended by the doctor, since its excessive use, unnecessarily and in a non-regulated way, can increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, infarction, thrombosis and development of insulin resistance, for example, in addition to favoring the appearance of acne, leaving the skin more greasy, altering the voice and promoting clitoral enlargement.

In addition, testosterone can lead to fat accumulation in the abdominal region, which can favor the accumulation of fat between the organs, increasing the risk of heart problems and liver toxicity.

Due to the risks that you may have to ingest testosterone supplements indiscriminately, it is not recommended to use them to increase muscle mass on the part of a woman.

See a recipe to increase testosterone in the video below: