A Functional Medicine Approach to Low Female Testosterone

A Functional Medicine Approach to Low Female Testosterone

Correcting testosterone levels can improve women’s mood and promote an overall sense of well-being. A 2011 study in BMC Women’s Health emphasized the mood-enhancing benefits of women using compounded BHRT, providing clear insights into the positive impact of this therapy on emotional well-being. One of the most well-known functions of testosterone is its crucial role in preserving muscle mass and strength.

Testosterone levels are too carefully controlled by the brain for that to occur. It is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. Each of these alternate BHRT administration methods comes with unique advantages. Individual choices will depend on factors such as the severity of hormone imbalance, recommended dosages, lifestyle, convenience, and personal preferences.

Testosterone, a key hormone, plays a vital role in maintaining balance during these transitions. For women, optimizing hormone levels, especially post-menopause, is crucial for improving quality of life. Balancing female hormones will improve mood, decrease unwanted side effects like weight gain, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. Low testosterone levels can be diagnosed through testosterone blood tests and evaluating low testosterone symptoms in women, like decreased sex drive, hot flashes, fatigue, loss of hair, etc.

This careful and continuous monitoring can prevent unwanted side effects. Over time, testosterone levels decrease, particularly during menopause. However, women with surgically removed ovaries, or damaged ovaries (such as patients who have undergone chemotherapy) may also experience low testosterone. Additionally, some estrogen treatments, like birth control pills, can lower a woman’s testosterone levels. However, researchers suspect that low testosterone levels may be one of the culprits because Low-T is linked with less sexual desire.

For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. In some cases, people with a deficiency of the hormone develop gynecomastia, which causes an enlargement of the breasts. The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as less than 300 nanograms (ng) of the hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood. They also report that about 2 in every 100 men have low testosterone. That’s why it’s crucial that you receive BHRT from a trusted source and a doctor who will monitor your progress. To find out if Thrivelab is right for you, take our free assessment and after we’ve evaluated your symptoms, book a consultation with one of our board-certified providers.

Hormonal birth control in women can often have the unintended side effect of lowering testosterone levels. It’s worth noting that some hormonal contraceptives are also designed to “pause” ovarian function, which can also result in progesterone and estradiol imbalances. They suppress your hormones to a subpar physiological level and you can start to experience symptoms of hormone deficiency” says Katie Jo. Testosterone is also the hormone behind desire and arousal with your partner.

For women seeking treatment for low sex drive, the idea of a “quick fix” probably sounds appealing. Testosterone therapy and boosting supplements are among those widely marketed options that might seem too good to be true – because for most women, they are. It is important to note that the symptoms of low testosterone levels can you travel internationally with testosterone vary widely between individuals, and a diagnosis of low testosterone levels should not be based solely on blood test results. Whether we’re talking about sex hormones like testosterone, stress hormones like cortisol, or metabolism hormones like insulin, there’s no denying that hormones are the cornerstone of holistic health. In the United States and many other countries, government agencies that regulate medicines haven’t approved testosterone therapy for women. But it can be prescribed if it might have a medical benefit for someone.

Testosterone is an important androgen hormone for women’s health, and is responsible for helping to maintain bone density. Because of this, the effects of testosterone deficiency in women can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become more prone to fracture. If you enjoy high-impact activities like running, dancing, or even playing with your dog, testosterone health is crucial to avoid bone breakage and injury, especially with age. While controversy exists regarding testosterone hormone therapy, lifestyle interventions such as exercise and nutrition can support healthy testosterone levels.

There are also other factors that can contribute to low testosterone in women such as having a hysterectomy, especially if the ovaries are removed. Adrenal gland fatigue and pituitary dysfunction can also contribute to low T. For example, anxiety can significantly affect the desire for sex – women are approximately twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety before age 50. And women are more likely to report physical symptoms of stress that can interfere with sex drive, such as headache or upset stomach. Doctors and medical researchers are also studying the effects of patches, implants, and pills as it relates to the treatment of low testosterone.

No amount of exercise and weight lifting can reverse this process without the replacement of testosterone in high enough dose to reverse the process that robs of our muscles. If you have low libido, testosterone may help, but it’s important to weigh the benefits with the risks. Testosterone therapy is approved for the treatment of delayed male puberty and abnormally low production of testosterone secondary to malfunction of the testes, pituitary or hypothalamus. They travel from one organ or another place in the body, usually through the bloodstream, and affect many different bodily processes. Learn all about the sex hormone here, including its primary benefits. Hormones are forever changing, influenced by many internal and external factors. That’s why staying connected with your healthcare team is crucial for ongoing support through follow-up appointments.