Testosterone Injections and the female body
Let’s debunk the most popular myth first. Testosterone is present in everyone, just as the female reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone are also present in men. These hormones are commonly associated with the reproductive systems, true.
Testosterone is not a useless hormone in the female body. Though there is very little amount of testosterone in all ladies, a healthy level of this hormone is fundamental for functions such as bone and muscle density, skin health, mood stability, better sleep, and energy levels.
What functions does testosterone have in the female body?
Let’s examine further what this seemingly unimportant hormone does for women. The testosterone supports the following function in the female physique:
- healthy growth of the bones
- increase and strengthen muscles
- decrease unhealthy fat
- maintain ideal weight
- promote a healthy libido / sex drive
- decrease the risk of reproductive related diseases
- improve fertility
Testosterone and your energy levels
Have you ever wondered why many serious bodybuilders become addicted to the synthetic testosterone supplements? If your guess is the physical high that they experience while they work out, then you are correct! While unsupervised testosterone intake is never going to be effective in the long run, this is the best proof on how an elevated testosterone level can boost your physical agility and stamina.
Do women with high testosterone have better sex?
For men, yes, testosterone is directly correlated to their healthy sexual drive. But not quite for ladies. As women age, they might experience a spike in their testosterone levels and this often leads to other discomforts, not just the typical bone and muscle problems, but also sleeplessness and anxiety. A higher testosterone level might even affect a woman’s fertility before they hit their 30s.
Unfortunately, these changes will include a decreased sex drive. While there is woefully no time machine to reverse aging and experience your youthful vigor in the bedroom, there are many other ways to cope with this malady. Your physician will be the most capable guide for you to have that spark again with your lover.
What causes women to have low testosterone?
Normal total testosterone levels in healthy adult females are 15–70 ng/dl (nanogram per deciliter). Just like all of the other diseases, there are many reasons why a woman may experience a significantly decreased testosterone level.
For the sake of having a more concise general information, below are the two main reasons why women experience low testosterone:
- Normal effects of aging – As mentioned very briefly earlier, when women age, they’ll experience unpleasant changes in the body. For some women, they’ll have an increase in testosterone. For many women, they’ll definitely have a much lower T level. This could be a result of thyroid problems.
- Removal of ovaries – When the function of the ovary is totally put on a halt in a woman, there is no way to produce testosterone. This also means they will be prone to having osteoporosis and other bone, tissue and muscle problems.
- Antidepressants and other mood stabilizer medication – Stress and other neurological problems can cause a strong pull of the testosterone level in women. The chemical compounds of these strong medication may help you relax, but just like other synthetically manufactured drugs, you’ll have to bear the side-effects.
Most common symptoms of low testosterone in women
When a woman experiences a drastic drop in their testosterone level, they will experience at least 3 or more of these symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Lethargy
- Weight gain
- Interrupted sleep
- Fertility problems
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Dryness of the vagina
- Decreased sex drive
- Problems achieving orgasm
- Short-term memory loss
- Poorer cognitive functions
- Irritability and moodiness
More women are now considering testosterone therapy
Women empowerment does have a huge impact in the popularity of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) as a feasible hormone therapy. Before, it was dreaded and unimaginable. Times have changed. Women who had regular TRT testified on how effective it is for them, and even though more medical and scientific research has to be performed on the benefits and risks of TRT on the female body, it might become a trend in the near future.
Testosterone injection in women
Most physicians who administer TRT to women attest that the most effective treatment to boost and keep the testosterone levels normal for women. There are several types of injections for women. The most common are:
- Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) – the most common injection
- Xyosted (testosterone enanthate) – available in generic form
- Avid (testosterone undecanoate) – a more long acting formula
How do testosterone should a woman inject work?
Whenever the doctor injects testosterone into a woman’s body, the hormone enters the body directly through the muscles, not the bloodstream. The question on how much testosterone a woman should inject per week often pops up. In most cases, weekly or monthly injections are prescribed by physicians. The treatment could last for months or years, depending on how benign or severe your condition is.
Below is the dosage for women according to weight:
- 175 lbs and below – 10mg, twice a month
- 176 to 200 lbs – 15 mg, twice a month
- 200 lbs and above – 20mg, twice a month
Why self-injection is very risky
We discussed the ethical injectable treatment of testosterone replacement therapy or TRT, now we’ll briefly discuss the opposite. There are ladies who inject themselves with testosterone by using a home injection kit. They inject their thighs. This is dangerous because you’ll never know which muscle or nerve you’ll hit. You might hit a large nerve that could enlarge abnormally. Not only will it look swollen, but could cause other problems directly connected to the bloodstream.
When is testosterone therapy appropriate for females?
The first obvious symptoms of a woman who has an imbalanced testosterone level are the following: rapid weight gain, decreased sex drive, facial hair, darker neck and armpits, and dry skin. When you have these symptoms, don’t be alarmed. Get yourself checked by a doctor first and remember to mention having your androgen levels measured. It will be great if you casually mention that you are open to exploring testosterone hormone therapy.
Effects of continued testosterone injection treatment for women
For most women who feel that they have achieved their desired results, stopping the treatment is the right choice. However, it is more favorable to continue the testosterone replacement treatment to experience the long-term benefits. Though there are other topical means to administer testosterone, the injection is undoubtedly the most potent treatment.
Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for women
Now that you have a better comprehension of testosterone’s function in the delicate female physique, it’s time to have a closer look on the brighter side. Below are just some of the benefits of a long term TRT sessions:
Increased energy levels
This is a benefit that is generally felt by both men and women. For women though, they’ll be more capable of fighting fatigue and will have fewer headaches. This is especially true for women in their 40s and above. Though you might not regain the energy you once had in your 20s, you’ll definitely be more productive.
Healthier heart functions
We eat more oatmeal to take care of our cardiovascular system, right? Now imagine having this similar benefit with a normal testosterone level. Testosterone is one of the key hormones in red blood cell production. In a recent Harvard study with 83,000 participants, those with lower testosterone levels have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Those with normal testosterone levels decreased their risk of heart attack by 24% and stroke by 36%.
Maintaining a healthy weight
This is why taking synthetic testosterone became a fad in the bodybuilding community. Even if women have less muscle mass than men, testosterone plays a vital role in thyroid health. Testosterone is also directly linked to increased muscle mass. This results in better weight management.
The benefits mentioned above are amazing. But…what do medical professionals and scientists really discover about TRT as a therapy for women?
Though there are positive testimonies to attest the efficacy of TRT to improve women’s well-being, bear in mind that all of the scientific data we have at present is considered very limited. Thus, there is a serious issue on how safe these testosterone therapies are for women. Again, this will lead to a gentle reminder to avoid self-administering any hormonal treatments, especially testosterone. Never undermine the possible risks that comes
How does the FDA view unsupervised testosterone treatment for women?
TRT is an unexplored and new hormonal treatment option for women. At present, the FDA hasn’t approved any testosterone therapy for women. Sure, the dealers and even your gym instructor will definitely have alluring words when they peddle these oral testosterone steroids.
Mindfulness will save you. Always remember, these accessible products are banned by the FDA for women. The recommended treatment for women to take orally is less than 300 micrograms. Even a daily intake this low needs a prescription from a licensed doctor.
Will I become more masculine after I have TRT?
Possibly. Let’s not beat around the bush on this important reality. Though it is very safe to have the testosterone injections in the doctor’s clinic, each body is unique. The reaction you will have won’t be similar to another woman’s reactions.
It might take a month or two before you experience having a deeper voice, or have some facial hair. When you do, call your doctor for an appointment to reverse these unwanted phenomena.
Other possible adverse effects of TRT for women:
- Cardiovascular risks
- Bladder problems
- Increased cancer risks
- Weaker bones
- Liver malfunction
- Increased risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots in the vein)
- Allergic reactions that can range from mild to severe
Conclusion
All forms of medically supervised hormonal therapies have been deemed safe. But as you have read, this may not be the case with all forms of testosterone therapy for women. While it might be tempting to try this out, discussing all possible options to cure your physical ailments is still best.
Take note that the body is an intricately wired machine composed of closely related external and internal organs. A complete physical check is the most reliable recourse.