Testosterone deficiency in women can be caused by hysterectomy, chemotherapy, loss of ovarian or adrenal gland function and Turners syndrome -- or simply by aging. Recently, links have been established between low levels of testosterone and women approaching menopause, who experience symptoms like decreased sex drive, weaker orgasms, lack of energy, strength and endurance. These symptoms are even more common in women following menopause. Birth control pills, particular those with large doses of estrogen, can cause measurably lower levels of testosterone in women, so testosterone deficiency can be a problem for women of any age.

Testosterone and Women

The Hormone of Desire, a book by Dr. Susan Rako, describes in great detail the role of testosterone in women and womens sexuality. She was forced to do her own research and basically treat her own testosterone deficiency, because testosterone deficiency was not recognized as a womans problem. Since then researchers throughout the world have shown that replacing testosterone in women who have a deficiency improves mood, sexual pleasure, fat-free muscle mass and bone density among other things.

If you are a woman and you think that you may have a testosterone deficiency, it may be difficult to convince your doctor. Some women are uncomfortable talking about issues like nipple and clitoral sensitivity and many doctors do not ask about sexuality, but these are important quality of life issues. Even if you have a good relationship with your doctor, lab tests for levels of testosterone in women may not be helpful and most self-test questionnaires are designed for men. Once you have decided that you need more testosterone, either because of lab tests or an analysis of your symptoms it may be necessary to experiment with different therapies, before you find one that works for you.

By the time you finish reading this, you will have a better appreciation for the role that testosterone in women plays.

Testosterone patches and gels with low doses for women are being studied. Injections and pills are not usually effective and can cause more health problems. Pellets which contain a mixture of estrogen and testosterone for women are implanted in the buttock for slow-release hormonal replacement and may treat symptoms for up to five months, but not all doctors can obtain the pellets.

Herbal cocktails that contain everything from Wild Yam Root to Fennel seed are being sold, but very little is known about how or why they actually effect testosterone production in women. Tribulus Terrestris, a popular supplement for athletes, has been reported to help with some of the symptoms associated with low levels of testosterone. Do a little research on any herbs that you choose to use, some can be toxic at certain dosages and some should not be used by certain people with certain health conditions, but this information is not always stated on the label.

The role played by testosterone in women, in a womans health, fitness and overall well-being may have been downplayed over the years. It is more common for a woman to hear about the importance of estrogen; however, maintaining normal levels of testosterone is equally important.