Testosterone is an important and often overlooked hormone for women. It’s best known for influencing libido, but it also plays a role in maintaining muscle and bone strength, contributes to mental sharpness and clarity, and helps with overall mood and energy levels.
During the perimenopause and menopause, levels of testosterone decline. Women can desire sex less often and it’s not as enjoyable as it used to be. Other symptoms of low testosterone in women include low mood, anxiety, irritability, physical fatigue, memory loss, insomnia, hot flushes, joint pains, and urinary complaints.
Currently testosterone is not licensed in England and therefore, GP’s (and even NHS gynaecology departments) can be reluctant to prescribe and continue the prescription. Encouragingly Australia has licensed testosterone for women, and it is hoped other countries will follow suit. This can make it difficult for GPs to prescribe testosterone in the long term, it may be that Miss Tipples will need to continue this on your behalf.
NICE menopause guidelines recommend testosterone if you are experiencing low sexual desire and other causes of this have been excluded (such as relationship and psychological) and HRT alone is not helping. Testosterone without HRT is not usually recommended given the incidence of adverse androgenic effects.
Testosterone levels should be checked prior to starting testosterone and at 6 monthly intervals to ensure levels are maintained within the female physiological range. It is important to note that many women have low systemic testosterone levels and no not have symptoms relating to low libido or other symptoms. Also, when starting testosterone, it can take up to three to six months to fully evaluate the efficacy of treatment and therefore at least an annual review is recommended.
Yes, premenopausal women produce both testosterone and oestrogen physiologically. Androgens – or sex hormones – including testosterone, are essential for the development and maintenance of female sexual anatomy and physiology and the modulation of sexual behaviour.
There are various signs and symptoms of low testosterone, but it is important to note that you won’t experience all of them; you may not experience any, and everyone’s experience differs. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of low testosterone:
Yes, low testosterone levels in women can contribute to anxiety. Testosterone plays a role in regulating mood, and low levels may lead to feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
A woman may suspect low testosterone if she experiences symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. However, diagnosing low testosterone requires a blood test to measure testosterone levels.
Testosterone gel is often preferred for women because it allows for precise dosing and easy application. It is applied daily to the skin, usually on the thigh or upper arm. However, the choice of testosterone formulation can vary depending on local availability.
