Low Testosterone Among Women: HRT Can Fix All The Symptoms Testosterone and Low Libido in Women Discover how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help you feel like yourself again. Female androgen metabolismIn women, testosterone is produced in various locations. The main precursor in the ovary is androstenedione, which is converted primarily to estrone, but which can also be converted to androgens. The recent finding of decreased testosterone and DHEA-S production in both pre- and post-menopausal women brings up the possibility of an enzyme defect causing decreased DHEA production. “When testosterone replacement is used in women, a fraction of the dose used in men is typically prescribed, but it is still considered an off-label use of the medication,” says Barrera. Currently, there aren’t any testosterone replacement therapies approved by the U.S. “While it’s not a very common symptom of low testosterone, some people do find it harder to focus or concentrate,” Dr. Yogi-Morren notes. Research shows that testosterone may help protect your brain from cognitive decline and the development of dementia. But even if your low testosterone isn’t identified as a syndrome, the symptoms are real and sometimes treatable. Depending on which lab performs your testosterone test, normal values may vary slightly from these. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts but differ. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as its sources do. Avoid DHEA supplements if you have a family history of hormone-related tumors like breast, ovarian, or adrenal cancer. DHEA is derived from 17 hydroxypregnenolone through the action of the enzyme 17, 20 lyase. In recent years, researchers (and pharmaceutical companies) have focused on the effects of testosterone deficiency, especially among men. In fact, as men age, testosterone levels drop very gradually, about 1% to 2% each year — unlike the relatively rapid drop in estrogen that causes menopause. The testes produces less testosterone, there are fewer signals from the pituitary telling the testes to make testosterone. Also, as men get older, their livers make more sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. Diagnosing low testosterone in women involves a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and hormone levels. Women have testosterone receptors in their nipples, the clitoris, and vagina, so it can also increase sensitivity to sexual stimulation. During perimenopause (the period before menopause) and menopause, your levels of estrogen (particularly the type called estradiol) drop significantly. This also happens if you have your ovaries removed or damaged before age 40, resulting in early menopause. As they travel through your body, they control many bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. There are different preparations available, such as creams and patches. Many health care providers use the testosterone preparations on the market approved for use in men — but at one-tenth of the dose. These include creams, ointments and gels that go on the legs, arms or stomach area. The type and amount you take relate to safety risks, so