Libido is a complex interplay between cultural expectations, “baseline” sexual desire, history of intimacy, and partner compatibility. It’s almost impossible to make generalizations about what one person’s libido should be. One place to start is to consider during your lifetime, when was your peak sexual desire and where you would like it to be now. One of the complicating factors in heterosexual relationships is that men typically have a higher sex drive than women, and that is because they have higher levels of testosterone. This discrepancy becomes even more pronounced when women go through menopause. Let’s take a closer look at how testosterone can help improve libido for many women and men.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is an androgen hormone made by both men and women. Too little or too much testosterone can affect your health and impact other hormone levels.
Testosterone plays a vital role for men in these areas:
Sex drive
Muscle and bone development and strength
Development of the penis and testes
Sperm production
Facial hair and pubic hair starting at puberty
Women also have testosterone, which has an effect in these areas:
Sex drive
Ovarian function
Muscle development
Bone strength
Mood and energy
Fertility and menstrual cycle
Testosterone, Women, and Libido
Women’s testosterone levels peak during their 20s and gradually decline from there. By the time women reach menopause, blood testosterone levels are at about one-quarter or lower than they were at their peak. Testosterone therapy after menopause has the potential to have a significant effect on libido in addition to improvement in bone density, strength, and energy. There are two main challenges in treating women with low testosterone. One is determining individual testosterone levels, which is done by a blood test, but there is no standardized accepted level. The second is assessing a woman’s libido in the context of subjective expectations. Many women accept low sex drive as a “normal” part of menopause. Studies have shown that testosterone treatment can enhance libido. Here are some questions that may give you a more objective view of your current libido state:
Has your sex drive gradually decreased over time?
Are you less responsive to sexual stimulation?
Do you experience vaginal dryness and discomfort during penetration?
Do you have difficulty reaching orgasm?
Has your loss of libido affected your relationship?
Testosterone, Men, and Libido
Declining or low testosterone in men can be due to age or other medical conditions. Men’s testosterone levels begin to drop at about 40 years of age. Other causes of low testosterone in men are obesity, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and chronic medical conditions. Symptoms of low testosterone in men include:
Reduced sex drive
Depressed mood
Increased body fat
Difficulties with concentration and memory
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Decreased endurance
Testosterone Treatment to Increase Libido
First of all, testosterone treatment for women and men who have low testosterone is highly likely to increase libido. And therapy is not confined to partnered patients. Sex drive is important whether you have a sexual partner or not, and testosterone therapy has significant benefits for both genders regardless of libido enhancement. For women, adding estradiol and progesterone can enhance the benefits of testosterone treatment, including libido.
At Optimal Hormone Health, we assess your testosterone levels, review your goals, and determine the best method of testosterone delivery. Testosterone can be administered via gels, creams, vaginally, injections, or capsules, and the delivery method depends on these factors:
Efficacy of treatment. Which treatment option will improve testosterone levels more effectively, given other personal preferences?
Cost. Pellets are more expensive than injections. Testosterone cream, however, is less expensive and can be a good choice for both men and women.
Personal choice. Some people prefer pellets due to their consistent delivery of testosterone and ease of use. Pellets will last between 3 and 4 months.
Comfort level. Injections require a comfort level with needles and consistent administration.
Potential Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement
Testosterone replacement can have potential side effects. At Optimal Hormone Health, we closely follow your symptoms and adjust treatment accordingly. Possible side effects for men include:
Acne or other skin reactions
Testicular atrophy
Decrease sperm production
Potential side effects for women include:
Acne
increased facial and body hair growth
Clitoral enlargement
Increased irritability
redistribution of body fat
Keep in mind that these side effects are unlikely with careful and close monitoring of testosterone levels and your specific reactions to treatment.
Testosterone and Libido
Testosterone therapy has the potential to improve libido, strength, endurance, energy, bone density, and mood for both men and women. Talk with us about your symptoms, goals and concerns. That’s what we are here for-to enhance your life with individualized treatment consistent with your health objectives.
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