Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in smaller amounts in the ovaries of females, as well as in the adrenal glands. While testosterone is best known for its role in the development of male sexual characteristics and reproductive function, it also plays several important roles in females.

Testosterone is involved in developing female sexual characteristics, such as body and pubic hair, and it can also influence sex drive in women. In addition, testosterone plays a role in bone health and muscle mass. Testosterone levels can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility. Low testosterone levels may be a factor in some cases of decreased libido and other sexual dysfunction in women.

Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with males, but it is also present in females in small amounts. Regarding fertility and menstruation, testosterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and can also play a role in ovulation.

It is important to note that testosterone levels in women are typically much lower than in men, and the role of testosterone in women’s health is not fully understood. Excessively high testosterone levels in women can cause symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and male-pattern baldness. Still, these levels are usually only seen in women with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.

As for menopause, testosterone levels naturally decrease as a woman ages. However, it is not directly responsible for the onset of menopause. Menopause is caused by the depletion of ovarian follicles, which leads to a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, so when their levels drop, menstruation stops, and menopause begins.

What benefits can there be from testosterone therapy for menopausal women?

There are a few conditions in women where increasing testosterone levels can be beneficial. These include:

• Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): Testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction in women with HSDD.
• Vaginal atrophy: Testosterone therapy can help to improve vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sex, which decreased estrogen levels can cause during menopause.
• Osteoporosis: Testosterone therapy may help to improve bone density in women with osteoporosis.
• Muscular weakness: Testosterone therapy may help to improve muscle mass and strength in women with certain conditions that cause muscle weakness.

It’s important to note that testosterone therapy is not recommended for all women and should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Understanding more about Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a condition characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity, which causes significant distress or relationship problems. HSDD is considered a form of female sexual dysfunction and is estimated to affect approximately 10% of women.

Symptoms of HSDD include a lack of sexual desire, a lack of interest in sexual activity, a lack of sexual fantasies, and a lack of pleasure from sexual activity. 

The exact cause of HSDD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, relationship problems, and certain medications.

Testosterone therapy using hormone replacement medications like AndroFeme®  is one treatment option for HSDD, as it can help to improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction in women. Other treatment options for HSDD include counseling, therapy, and other forms of sexual therapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used.

Understanding more about Vaginal Atrophy in menopausal women

Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is a common condition that occurs when the tissues of the vagina become thin, dry, and inflamed due to a decrease in estrogen levels. 

Testosterone is not primarily responsible for maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues. Estrogen is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues. When levels drop, it can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sex. 

Other causes of vaginal atrophy can be surgical menopause (removal of ovaries), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and certain medications, including some types of antidepressants and anti-androgens.

Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sex. Vaginal atrophy can also cause light bleeding after sex, and a higher risk of vaginal or urinary tract infections.

There are several treatment options available for vaginal atrophy, including:

• Vaginal estrogen therapy: Vaginal estrogen therapy can help improve vaginal tissue health, increase vaginal moisture, and reduce vaginal dryness and itching symptoms. This therapy can be administered in the form of a vaginal cream, tablet, ring or suppository like Vagifem.
• Low-dose vaginal DHEA: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that can be converted into estrogen and testosterone in the body. Vaginal DHEA has been shown to be effective in improving vaginal health and reducing symptoms of vaginal atrophy in women who have undergone surgical menopause or have contraindications to estrogen therapy.
• Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help to strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the vagina. This can improve blood flow to the area and increase natural lubrication.
• Behavioral and lifestyle modifications: Avoiding irritants such as soaps, douches, or bubble baths and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce vaginal dryness. Also, staying well hydrated, using mild laundry detergents, and avoiding tight clothing can help minimize dryness symptoms.

FAQ

Are there any medications that can cause too much testosterone in a woman?

There are conditions in mature women where excess testosterone levels can cause problems. These conditions, known as hyperandrogenism, can cause symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and irregular periods. In more severe cases, it can also lead to fertility problems. Some common causes of hyperandrogenism in women include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and ovarian or adrenal tumors.

Certain medications can also cause high levels of testosterone in women. For example, certain hormonal contraceptives can increase testosterone levels, as can certain medications used to treat conditions such as endometriosis or breast cancer. Additionally, athletes sometimes use anabolic steroids to build muscle can raise testosterone levels in women and cause hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism, a condition characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body, can affect the onset and symptoms of menopause. Specifically, women with hyperandrogenism may experience early onset of menopause and more severe symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Before menopause, hyperandrogenism can cause irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant. Any connection between hyperandrogenism and menopause is complex and more research is needed to understand the relationship entirely.

It’s important to note that high levels of testosterone in women should be evaluated by a doctor, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated. The treatment options depend on the cause of the high testosterone and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.