Women have testosterone in their bodies, just much lower levels than in men (about 10% of men). A decrease in the testosterone levels can result in significant symptoms. These symptoms include

• Chronic fatigue and tiredness

• Mood swings and depression

• Anxiety

• Poor concentration and focus

• Skin changes including dry skin or fragile skin

• Low libido

• Weight gain

• Bone Density Changes

Due to the lower threshold of testosterone levels in women, just a small change can make a significant difference. Sometimes women have levels that are at the ‘lower limit of normal’ or close to the lower end of normal testosterone, yet still experience symptoms. These symptoms can be resolved by just a small adjustment in your hormonal levels. It can be frustrating to have symptoms but we can help in making you feel back to your normal self.

There are many causes, though the definitive cause may change and be dependent on the individual’s unique situation. Some of the more common causes of low testosterone in women include:

• Aging – women’s testosterone levels natural decrease with age

• Oophorectomy – removal of an ovary can reduce testosterone levels

• Estrogen therapy – estrogen suppresses production of the hormone responsible for stimulating testosterone production

• Hypothalamic amenorrhea

• Early menopause / premature ovarian failure

• Pituitary/Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

Many women who present to their physicians and are told they have ‘hormonal imbalances’ are diagnosed with PCOS. While symptoms may be similar, it is important to determine which exact hormones may be abnormal. It is also important to test different factors of the hormone levels. While your testosterone levels may be normal, your SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), a protein that binds to hormones, may be high which effectively decreases your level of hormones and testosterone. SHBG can be significantly elevated if you are being treated with estrogens (these also include birth control). Therefore, despite your testosterone levels being ‘normal’ your bioavailable hormones levels may be low resulting in symptoms. These are important factors to consider and important factors to ask your provider.

Because women have lower threshold levels of testosterone, small changes in changes can make significant differences. You need to make sure you get the right dosing for yourself, and you need to make sure you know your physician is fully understanding of the hormonal process.

Our clinic is owned and operated by board certified physicians who focus on the individual patient and want the utmost in patient care. You can trust that your provider will provide you with the best care, tailored and regimented dosing, and close monitoring to mitigate any potential side effects.