Testosterone and other related hormones in the body (also known as androgens) play important roles in women’s health and wellbeing.

It is generally known that androgens are important for muscle and bone strength and for growth of normal body hair. Androgens may also have important positive effects on mood, wellbeing, energy and vitality in women.

The most well-known androgen is testosterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries and in other parts of the body.

Testosterone levels start to drop in women in their younger reproductive years. A woman in her forties has on average only half as much testosterone circulating in her bloodstream as a woman in her twenties. However, this can vary between individual women. There is almost no change in testosterone at the time of natural menopause and there is only a very gradual decline after a woman enters her sixties. However, when a woman has her ovaries removed by surgery, testosterone levels can fall suddenly, by 50 per cent on average.

Testosterone and libido

Testosterone, along with lifestyle and relationship issues, can impact on libido and sexual function. Some studies have shown that women who are experiencing a loss of sexual interest at menopause may benefit from testosterone therapy when it is used in conjunction with oestrogen. One small study also indicates that testosterone therapy will improve sexual interest and wellbeing in women who are premenopausal with low libido, but further research is needed.

Importantly, a study of Australian women recruited from the community and without any complaint about their sexual function, has shown that low sexual desire, arousal, responsiveness and other aspects of female sexuality are not significantly related to low testosterone levels. On the other hand, women presenting because they are concerned about their diminished sexual function frequently have low levels.

Summary

There are further research questions to be answered on the use of testosterone therapy in women. In the meantime, if you are considering it, talk to your doctor to gain a clear understanding of what is currently known about this therapy.

Where can I get more information?

www.jeanhailes.org.au
www.managingmenopause.org.au

Further Resources

Testosterone ( 67.30 KB )

Testosterone for Women - written for health professionals.

Content updated January 8, 2010