How a Woman’s Testosterone Levels Affect Her Sex Drive
Low T can put a damper on libido, but there are things that can be done about it.
When we think about male and female hormones, we generally put them into boxes: Men have testosterone, and women have estrogen. And while true, both hormones are found in both sexes.
Testosterone actually plays a very important role for women. A good balance of the hormone helps maintain bone health and better manage pain. It’s also a key element of a healthy sex drive. Not only does it stimulate desire, it amplifies arousal and increases sexual satisfaction.
This is why when testosterone levels get too low, it can negatively affect a woman’s libido.
Why do women lose testosterone?
As women get older, their testosterone levels decrease, and much of this is related to menopause. Ovaries are one of the main producers of testosterone in women, and they produce less of it after menopause.
Other causes include problems with the adrenal glands or an underactive pituitary gland. If a woman is taking estrogen (often in the form of birth control), this may also result in less testosterone production.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Aside from a reduction in sexual desire, women with low testosterone may have other symptoms. These include muscle weakness, depression, and tiredness. Some women also experience dry skin, poor concentration, and weight gain around their abdomen.
What can women do about their low testosterone levels?
Women have many options when it comes to raising their levels of testosterone. The first step is to see a doctor to confirm that this is the issue. At that point, your physician may suggest various treatments. These could include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy – A low dose of testosterone is administered through injections or patches. Due to possible side effects and mixed results, this is still somewhat controversial, however.
- DHEA supplement – A precursor to testosterone, this may raise levels but taking the right dosage is vital. It has potential side effects – especially in high dosages – that include oily skin, hair loss, insomnia, and even growth of facial hair.
- Estratest – Mostly prescribed for post-menopausal women, this contains both female sex hormones and synthetic testosterone. It may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, upset stomach, and more.
Additional ways to raise testosterone levels
Aside from medications, there are other ways women can increase their testosterone, such as:
Changing their diets
The body needs good fats in order to spur on the production of testosterone. This is why it is important to add things like olive oil and avocados to a diet. It is also a good idea to eat more protein, including fish, lean red meat, and nuts.
Cutting down on alcohol
Excess alcohol has multiple negative effects on hormonal processes in the body. Women with low testosterone should cut alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day or less, if advised by a physician.
Having more sex
Though women with low testosterone may be less likely to want to have sex (which is sort of the crux of the problem), more sex can actually set off a good chain reaction. Having sex at least once a week could help maintain natural levels of testosterone.
How sound wave therapy might help
Though it won’t affect hormone levels, something called low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) has been proven to help women with their sexual function. Using low-intensity shockwaves, this treatment breaks up plaque in blood vessels and stimulates the generation of new ones. In turn, this increases blood flow to the vaginal area, which can lead to enhanced lubrication and sensation during sex.
Want to see if it’s right for you? Contact FemiWave to learn more.
