The main cause of low testosterone in women is natural aging. A woman's testosterone levels decrease over time, particularly in menopause. Women who have had the ovaries surgically removed or damaged from chemotherapy can also experience low testosterone, which is produced in part in the ovaries.
The best nutrients to increase levels of testosterone are protein, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins particularly vitamin B6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Medicine side effects, such as from chemotherapy. Testicle injury or cancer. Problems with glands in the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) that control hormone production. Low thyroid function.
One of the common symptoms of low testosterone in women is unintentional weight gain. Inability to control your weight and significant changes in muscle tone should not be passed off as a sign of aging. It may be hormonal imbalance.
Belly fat and low testosterone are known to be linked with each other. As many men age their testosterone levels tend to decrease and they tend to gain more belly fat. Body fat has an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogens.
Vitamin D and testosterone: Not just for men
Scientists have also observed a direct correlation between vitamin D and testosterone in women. In a recent cross-sectional study of women, researchers observed a positive, significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and total testosterone levels.
This study is the first to demonstrate that women react more aggressively in response to provocation when their testosterone level is high than when their testosterone is low, suggesting that testosterone plays an important role in the regulation of women's aggressive behavior following social provocation.
Low testosterone levels can mimic symptoms of depression and cause anxiety over time if left untreated. A urologist explains how these conditions relate to one another.
Untreated testosterone deficiency will greatly increase your risk for developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and other age-related diseases.
Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones' strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.
Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the amount of testosterone your gonads (testicles or ovaries) produce and release.
Excess weight, hair-loss treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can lower testosterone levels. If you're concerned about low testosterone levels, take a look at your everyday habits and way of life. They could be contributing to a drop.
Summary: Brain imaging shows that testosterone therapy given as part of sex reassignment changes the brain structures and the pathway associated with speech and verbal fluency. This result supports research that women in general may deal with speech and interaction differently than men.
Evidence from multiple studies indicates that testosterone has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, with the potential to promote improved mood and mental health in both men and women [10,13,14].
Soon after beginning hormone treatment, you will likely notice a change in your libido. Quite rapidly, your genitals, especially your clitoris, will begin to grow and become even larger when you are aroused. You may find that different sex acts or different parts of your body bring you erotic pleasure.
In clinical trials, magnesium raised both total and free testosterone in average men. Additionally, in a study conducted with athletes found that Magnesium combined with Zinc had even larger testosterone effects.
Vitamin D
Studies show that vitamin D supplementation may have a beneficial effect on testosterone levels [1]. Daily supplementation of vitamin D was found to increase total, bioactive, and free levels of testosterone in subjects, while those who got a placebo had no change in testosterone levels.
Fatigue is a common effect of low testosterone. You might feel like you just don't have the energy that you're used to. Or you might be incredibly tired. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression.
Not only does low testosterone increase weight gain, make it harder to lose weight, and boost your belly fat, but it also sets off a vicious cycle. Low testosterone increases body fat.