Low testosterone in women: Signs, causes, and treatments

Testosterone Pellets For Women: Benefits & Risks

TRT is currently only approved for treating sexual dysfunction in women. However, a growing body of research suggests there may be other potential benefits of testosterone for women. However, testing is important to establish your baseline level before you start therapy and to help exclude women who already have high levels from getting the therapy.

These could include oily skin, acne, unusual hair growth, or changes in mood. Sometimes, even if your blood test looks normal, your symptoms may suggest that an adjustment is needed. Typically, doctors will look at both “total testosterone” and “free testosterone” levels. Total testosterone includes all the testosterone in your body, while free testosterone measures only the testosterone that is available for your body to use. It’s important to note that some mild side effects might occur in the beginning. These could include slight skin irritation if using a cream, or mild acne due to the body adapting to new hormone levels. Such side effects are usually temporary and may go away as the body balances itself.

Once the pellets are in place, you don’t have to worry about daily doses or patches. However, the procedure to insert the pellets requires a minor surgery, and there is a risk of infection or pellet extrusion (when a pellet comes out of the skin). Also, if the dose is too high or too low, adjustments cannot be made until the pellets are removed or replaced. Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized implants that are placed under the skin, typically in the buttock area, during a minor surgical procedure. These pellets slowly release testosterone into the body over a period of several months, usually three to six months. Patches are usually worn on a specific area of the body, like the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks.

Future research should further refine integrated exercise approaches to optimize hormonal regulation and enhance musculoskeletal health outcomes in women. In specific clinical scenarios—such as menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy)—endogenous testosterone production may decrease significantly. In such cases, external testosterone supplementation may be considered to restore physiological levels. Testosterone levels in healthy adult males and females differ significantly. Adult males typically produce approximately ten times more testosterone than females45. This hormonal disparity plays a key role in the distinct physiological characteristics observed between the sexes, particularly in terms of muscle mass, strength, and metabolic functions46. Some women may start noticing improvements in energy levels and libido within a few weeks, while others may take a few months to see significant changes.

This section will explore the common reasons women consider testosterone therapy, the symptoms that might indicate a need for it, and how low testosterone can impact overall health and well-being. Directly interacting with men also affects the hormone levels of women. Both romantic touching and sexual activity increase female testosterone.

Some women may have only mild symptoms, while others may find the changes more disruptive. Understanding how testosterone levels change with age can help women recognize these changes and seek appropriate care if needed. Regaining hormonal balance with testosterone replacement can help women feel youthful, energetic, and healthy again. Higher doses like 100 mg or more of testosterone daily appeared to provide optimal improvement in symptoms like depression and increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women in one study. However, long-term safety is unclear at these supra-physiological doses. If your body doesn’t get enough of a hormone called testosterone, you may have low levels.

Such instances highlight the importance of regularly monitoring hormone levels and working with a trained and certified provider who titrates testosterone levels to prevent side effects. If the incorrect dose is given, testosterone pellets can cause side effects including excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and mood swings. Unlike daily creams or gels, testosterone pellets require insertion every few months. Much like long-release birth control methods, pellets let women take a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach to hormone therapy, reducing the risk of missed doses. Because testosterone pellets are compounded, best testofen there is a risk they could deliver inconsistent hormone levels, making side effects more likely. A 2019 systematic review published in The Lancet examined 36 trials involving 8,480 women and compared testosterone therapy to a placebo or an alternative.

The side effects of DHEA supplementation can be similar to those of too much testosterone. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Your Ob/Gyn is there for you throughout many different parts of your life. At Cleveland Clinic, our experts can help you throughout your entire journey.