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Supplements for Low Testosterone in Women

Apr 26, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
Supplements for Low Testosterone in Women
Photo Credit female bodybuilder image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com

The ovaries release testosterone throughout the entire lifespan of women. Following menopause, however, the levels of this anabolic hormone decrease. According to a 2010 report in "Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs," that change places women at risk for muscle injuries and bone breaks. Hormone replacement therapy using bioidentical testosterone may benefit such women. Yet, these prescription medications can cause side effects. Nutritional supplements might provide a better option in the future. Speak with a doctor before treating testosterone deficiency.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

The body produces more dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, than any other steroid. According to 1983 report in the "Journal of Andrology," adding this hormone to cultured testicular cells increases their ability to produce testosterone. A study described in the 2010 volume of "Geriatrics and Gerontology International" tested whether DHEA intake would trigger a similar enhancement in postmenopausal women. Subjects received either the over-the-counter steroid or no treatment for six months. Relative to no treatment, supplement use increased testosterone levels. It also improved cognitive performance and enhanced life quality. Side effects of women given DHEA were comparable to those of women given no treatment. Yet, the long-term effects of this supplement remain unknown.

Soy Isoflavones

Extracts taken from the soybean plant, soy isoflavones, are known to affect the endocrine system. For example, chemicals such as genistein and daidzein enhance the effects of natural estrogen. According to a 2010 review in "Menopause," these substances lessen the impact of age-related changes in older women. The mechanism behind this effect remains unclear, but it may involve testosterone enhancement. An investigation presented in the 2005 edition of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" tested this hypothesis in postmenopausal women. Volunteers took daily doses of the isoflavones for three months. This treatment increased testosterone relative to baseline. It did not, however, increase estrogen. Additional testing remains necessary to explain the latter unexpected data.

Red Clover

Traditional healers have used red clover, Trifolium pratense, to treat the symptoms of menopause. Research scientists have failed to document this effect, but the plant extract appears safe, according to a 2009 article in "Menopause." Some studies show that the body converts substances contained within red clover to estrogen, a finding that suggests Trifolium may affect testosterone as well. A clinical trial offered in the 2006 volume of "Maturitas" assessed the impact of clover on testosterone in older women. Participants received either extracted Trifolium or a placebo for three months. Relative to placebo, clover increased circulating testosterone and changed uterine physiology. Estrogen remained surprisingly unaffected. Adverse events were minimal and brief.

Flaxseed

Manufacturers use flax, Linum usitatissimum, to make clothing. People eat the seeds from this plant and take them as nutritional supplements. Male rats given flaxseed have greater levels of testosterone, according to a 2000 report in "Food and Chemical Toxicology." Those data suggest that Linum may impact hormone levels in females. An experiment published in the 1993 edition of "JCEM" evaluated this hypothesis in premenopausal women. Subjects received flaxseed powder during all menstrual phases over the course of several months. They were also tested in these phases without supplementation. Relative to the latter control phases, the women showed elevated levels of testosterone before ovulating. The subjects did not experience supplement-related side effects.

References

Article reviewed by CarmenN Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011

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