The peri-menopausal and menopausal periods of a woman’s life bring about significant changes and often troublesome or even debilitating symptoms. Some of these symptoms may be caused by falling Oestrogen levels. First line HRT treatments focus on restoring these levels, and for many women is very effective in managing symptoms. But if you feel that standard HRT is not quite hitting the spot, it might be time to consider whether another hormone, testosterone, could be the missing link in your management plan.
Testosterone for a woman? Is that right?
Surprisingly, yes! Despite its ‘manly’ reputation, testosterone, actually plays an important role in women's health also, albeit it is present in much smaller amounts. Testosterone is involved in several bodily functions, including maintaining bone density, muscle strength, libido, cognitive function and mood regulation. And just as oestrogen and progesterone levels decline in peri-menopause and menopause, so too do testosterone levels.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels in women?
These may include:
Decreased Libido - or reduction in sexual desire, affecting intimacy and relationships.
Fatigue or persistent tiredness which can be difficult to shake even with rest
Mood changes such as increased sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
This combination of physical and emotional symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, so if they are sounding familiar read on to learn more about how you can manage them
What can I do next?
It’s really important to consult with an appropriately qualified health professional. They will want to review your medical history, existing health conditions, and medication usage. Some conditions, such as hypothyroidism can contribute to symptoms. Certain mental health medications can also affect libido.
Before considering testosterone replacement, your doctor will want to review your current ‘first line’ HRT regime thoroughly, to ensure it is optimised for you. Remember, there are so many forms and combinations of standard HRT, that it sometimes takes a few iterations to find the optimum regime for you, and of course your needs may change over time. HRT is rarely (if ever) a ‘one regime and done’ regime!
Your doctor can also conduct blood tests, to measure your hormones including testosterone.
What can be done if my hormone levels are low
If testosterone replacement is felt to be appropriate, it can be administered in the form gel/cream. As the use of testosterone preparations in women is ‘unlicensed’ in the UK, it is worth consulting a doctor with a sufficient experience in women’s health and menopause in order to confidently prescribe. If you do start on testosterone therapy, you will need to have regular blood tests (usually before starting, at the 6 month stage, and then annually thereafter) to ensure that your overall hormone levels remain in the desired range.
Conclusion
Whilst huge strides have been made recently in terms of awareness of the impact of peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms, the data and available information regarding testosterone in women remains lacking. If you think low testosterone may be implicated in your symptoms, we recommend consulting with a practitioner with specific interest and additional qualifications in women’s health and menopause, such as our own Dr Jacqui Tuckey and Dr Tanya Ridout. Read more about our menopause support service here.
