growth is highly dependent on genetics, but this condition is primarily caused by an imbalance of androgen hormones.
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonal disorder caused by an excess of androgen hormones in women. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular or prolonged periods, unwanted body hair growth, and enlarged ovaries that may not function properly. Other common complications of PCOS are:
type 2 diabetes
3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a disorder that directly affects the adrenal glands and the production of the body’s hormones. In many cases of CAH, the body overproduces androgen.
Common symptoms of this disorder in women include:
- masculine characteristics;
- early appearance of pubic hair;
- severe acne.
Treatment for low testosterone in women
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment typically marketed to men. However, women also produce testosterone, although in smaller amounts than men. When these levels dip below normal for women, it can negatively impact their health.
TRT can be indicated for the treatment of low testosterone in women to improve their daily lives and overall health outcomes. Many women have reported positive changes in their lives by increasing levels of testosterone.
What does testosterone do for a woman?
Though women naturally produce less testosterone than men, in small amounts, the hormone is essential in the support of several body functions. Normal, sustained female testosterone levels in women can help:
- support the maintenance and healthy growth of bone tissue;
- increase and maintain muscle mass;
- decrease the amount of fat storage (particularly in post-menopausal women);
- promote a healthy sex drive or libido;
- decrease the risk of vaginal atrophy.
There is some research to suggest that normal testosterone levels in women can even help support cardiovascular health. As such, this is more than just a “sex hormone” – it plays an integral role in overall good health and longevity.
Too little testosterone can directly contribute to a variety of health conditions, including:
- pelvic floor insufficiency;
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Benefits in Women
There is promising evidence that Testosterone Replacement Therapy can have several benefits for women, such as:
A Healthier Heart
We know that low testosterone levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, but can TRT help with your risk of heart disease or stroke? Evidence suggests that it might. Testosterone helps boost healthy red blood cell production, and a recent study of 83,000 men found men with low levels of testosterone who returned to normal levels decreased their risk of heart attack by 24%, and risk of stroke 36%. It’s not known if these results are generalizable to women.
Decreased Risk of Obesity
Women naturally have less muscle mass than men, and testosterone is linked to increased muscle mass. A leaner body naturally helps control weight and increases energy. TRT can help decrease fat levels while promoting muscle mass and strength.
Testosterone levels are directly linked to bone density, and low T directly correlates with the risk of osteoporosis in both men and women. Clinical trials show TRT can help boost bone mineral density in both the hip and spine. Additionally, studies of females transitioning into males found that TRT treatments naturally improved bone density in participants.
Possible Improvements in Cognition
There is promising research in men that shows men with higher total testosterone have a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Testosterone has also been to important thinking abilities such as improved verbal memory, processing speed, and spatial memory. Again, while this research has been predominantly on men, it is likely that it would similarly affect women.
The most promising evidence regarding TRT and women relates to libido. In both men and women, appropriate testosterone levels contribute to healthy sexual arousal and activity. Numerous studies show that testosterone replacement therapy