Testosterone is a male sex hormone that females produce in small amounts. Women who have abnormally low amounts of testosterone may experience symptoms such as hot flashes or a lack of sexual interest. Taking supplemental testosterone may help treat this condition, but getting too much testosterone may cause side effects such as acne, balding, male-patterned hair growth, a deeper voice or a lack of menstrual periods. Increased levels of testosterone may also cause medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or may cause a woman to develop an ovarian tumor or a tumor on the adrenal gland.
Step 1
Speak with your doctor to see if taking testosterone is right for your situation. The benefits may not outweigh the possible risks of using supplemental testosterone. The American Endocrine Society does not recommend the use of testosterone therapy for women and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve its use to treat sexual dysfunction in women. The FDA does approve the hormone to treat vasomoter effects from menopause, such as hot flashes, according to the Hormone Foundation.
Step 2
Follow all instructions given by your physician or pharmacist before taking testosterone supplements. Clinical studies suggest using 1.5 mg of methyltestosterone or using a 300-microgram transdermal patch for supplementation, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The supplement is also available as an injection and as an implant. Your doctor may prescribe the pill form for you to take along with a prescription for supplemental estrogen because the effects of the therapy may cause changes in the breast without the estrogen therapy.
Step 3
Take the supplemental testosterone for the prescribed amount of time. No studies exist for the safety or efficacy of using testosterone therapy in women for longer than 24 weeks, according to the Hormone Foundation.
Step 4
Stop taking testosterone supplements if you experience bothersome side effects. Report any adverse reactions to your doctor. Taking testosterone may increase the risk of developing heart disease. The long-term risks associated with women using testosterone are unknown. Never take testosterone supplements without consulting your doctor.
Step 5
Increase your dietary intake of foods with zinc. Zinc is necessary for the production of testosterone, according to MayoClinic.com. Oysters, red meat, shellfish, poultry and zinc-fortified breakfast cereals are all good sources of zinc.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Anorgasmia; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause: Testosterone Therapy in Women: Does it Boost Sex Drive?; Mary Gallenberg, MD; July 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Low Sex Drive in Women; December 2009
- The Hormone Foundation: Patient Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Androgens in Women; Karen K. Miller, MD et al,; October 2006
- Lab Tests Online: Testosterone; November 2010
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Sexual Desire/Interest Disorder; Rosemary Basson, MD; January 2009
