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. Show Low testosterone (low-T) products for women such as pills, injections, or supplements like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) claim to boost energy, mood, and sexual desire. However, low-T as the root cause for low sex drive is rare in women, especially before menopause. The Endocrine Society stated in 2019 that while trying testosterone therapy is generally safe for post-menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) – not wanting sex and not being OK with feeling that way – they do not support low-T therapy for other female health conditions. Side effects from testosterone therapy in women can include:
One in three women struggle with low sexual desire, and most patients start noticing libido changes after menopause. However, low libido can occur at any age and is often caused by problems that aren’t directly linked with the bedroom, such as anxiety, stress, medications, or undiagnosed chronic conditions. While low-T treatments aren’t the cure-all they claim to be, there are effective treatments to restore sexual desire and improve your quality of life. UT Southwestern’s Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialists follow a three-step process to identify and address the root cause of low libido. The first step is to pinpoint the source – or sources – of sexual frustration. From there we can design a personalized treatment plan that can help improve overall health along with libido. 1. General mental and physical health assessmentWorking with a team of specialists, your reproductive health doctor will help identify or rule out underlying conditions and medical treatments that are known to decrease libido. 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. Physical health conditions can intertwine with mental health symptoms to double down on your sex drive:
Common medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medication, and estrogen therapy also can reduce libido. Your reproductive health doctor can order specific tests and exams to start unraveling the root causes of your symptoms. Often, patients with physical or medication-related concerns begin feeling desire again after starting or modifying their care plan. Post-menopausal patients may particularly benefit from specialized care for hormone- and aging-related changes that interfere with intimacy, such as vaginal dryness, changes in appearance, or emotional challenges. Mental health concerns sometimes require a little more time and patience to start feeling results. Seeing a therapist who specializes in sexuality can help women discover underlying barriers and gain more control over their libido. Related reading: What women need to know about thyroid disorders 3. Discussing treatment optionsYour treatment plan will be based on your needs and the results of your assessments. Most patients will see positive results from getting treatment for the specific condition causing their symptoms. Some need a more tailored approach, such as adjusting mental health medications or participating in longer-term counseling sessions before desire returns. For most women, testosterone therapy will not be a recommended treatment option. Testosterone has not been widely approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for premenopausal low libido, and no large clinical studies have included younger women. Though some post-menopausal patients with HSDD may experience slight benefits from testosterone therapy, particularly if they still have reduced sex drive after taking estrogen, the benefits probably won’t outweigh the risks. There is very little long-term safety data on testosterone therapy in women. Patients who want to try off-label testosterone therapy should do their research and consider the potential risks related to appearance and long-term health, including:
Getting effective treatment for a decreased sex drive before or after menopause can improve your mental and physical health. While testosterone might not be the answer, help is available. Don’t be afraid to talk with a doctor about the symptoms of decreased sex drive. We’ll address the problem at its source and start you on the path to feeling better. What happens if your testosterone is too low in a woman?Symptoms of low testosterone in women
Low libido, weight gain, and changes in mood are all common signs of low testosterone levels. Low testosterone over a long period of time may also contribute to more serious issues like heart disease, poor memory, and loss of bone density.
Which foods increase testosterone in females?3. Pomegranates. The pomegranate is an age-old symbol of fertility and sexual function, and its antioxidant levels may support heart health and stress reduction. Also, results of a study from 2012 indicate that pomegranate may boost testosterone levels in men and women.
How do you fix low testosterone?Starke offers the following tips:. Improve your diet. Adopting and maintaining a healthy diet benefits your testosterone levels in two primary ways: ... . Mix cardio with strength training, and vice versa. ... . Get plenty of sleep. ... . Take steps to reduce stress. ... . Address any underlying medical conditions.. How can a woman balance her testosterone levels naturally?Making certain lifestyle changes can also affect testosterone levels. Starting an exercise or weight loss program can help because losing weight can improve symptoms. Some women choose only to treat their symptoms, including shaving or bleaching hair and using facial cleaners for acne or oily skin.
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