Affecting body composition and libido, testosterone has a well-documented effect on men's health. Less popularly known is the role testosterone plays in women. A growing body of literature shows that women encounter similar effects to men when testosterone levels fluctuate.
Function
Testosterone gel is one method of delivery for testosterone during hormone replacement therapy. Used topically, testosterone gels or cremes are an alternative to testosterone injections or sub-lingual tablets. Topical testosterone is usually prescribed to women either as a 24-hour time release gel that can be applied to a clean, dry area of skin, or as a thicker 2 percent testosterone gel that is applied locally to the vulva.
Uses
Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat women with low testosterone. Women with low testosterone will commonly suffer from a lack of sexual desire and may have difficulty becoming aroused. Women may experience vaginal dryness and difficulty reaching orgasm. A study at University Hospital, Essen, Germany found that in some cases low testosterone in women resulted in depression. Although low testosterone can be an issue for women at any age, it is most commonly encountered post menopause.
Benefits
Treatment for low testosterone can result in positive changes to mood, energy and libido. Women participating in research studies at Boston University School of Medicine in 2002 reported improvements in arousal and sexual desire following treatment to increase testosterone. After treatment, subjects also had improved vaginal lubrication and reported increase frequency of sexual fantasies. According to the website Project AWARE, treating low testosterone can also increase bone strength and enhance cognitive functions.
Side Effects
Increasing testosterone can result in a variety of side effects that are dependent on the amount of the increase and the balance of testosterone to estrogen. Higher increases of testosterone can result in deepening of the voice, facial hair growth and baldness. Signs of excess testosterone can include acne, enlargement of the clitoris or changes to menstruation. Continued testosterone treatment can cause these changes to be permanent.
Considerations
When looking at hormonal replacement therapy for women, it is important to keep in mind the delicate balance required between testosterone and estrogen. Ideal testosterone levels can vary in individual women. Due to the difficulty in determining appropriate testosterone levels and the possibility of permanent side effects, testosterone gel should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
References
- Life Extension Magazine: Why Aging Women Need Testosterone
- Project AWARE: Testosterone and Its Benefits to Women
- "Maturitas"; The Impact of Testosterone Imbalance on Depression and Women's Health; Rohr UD, April 2002
- "Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy"; Androgen Replacement Therapy with Dehydroepiandrosterone for Androgen Insufficiency and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Androgen and Questionnaire Results; Munarriz R, Talakou L, Flaherty E, Gioia M, Hoag L, Kim N, Traish A, Goldstien I, Guay A, Spark R; February 2002
- Drugs.com: Testosterone
- Project AWARE: DHEA or Testosterone for Women
