With ageing, comes insecurity. Women tend to feel less appealing and also go through low libido. But some women like to take matters in their own hands! Hollywood actress Kate Winslet's recent revelation about using testosterone therapy to boost sex drive, has got the Internet talking. During an episode of “How to Fail” podcast, she spoke about how this therapy has helped her in many ways, including making her feel “sexy” again! Women often lose libido due to fluctuating hormones, as they hit menopause or perimenopause. This loss of testosterone needs to be replaced in order to improve your sex drive, said the actress. She also explained that it is natural for women’s bodies to change with age, and that testing your hormone levels is a must.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates sperm production and sex drive. It is primarily a male sex hormone, but it is found in women too. However, the levels are much lower. It can cause many changes in the body such as an increase in height, growth of pubic hair as well as an increase in libido. It is also needed for the production of sperm as well as new red blood cells, muscle strength, and for stronger bones, states the US National Institutes of Health. Testosterone is produced by the testicles and ovaries. The production increases during puberty and starts to dip as a person ages beyond 30 years. When the levels are low, this can lead to changes in sexual function, as well as other physical and emotional changes in both men and women. Check out how low testosterone levels affect women.

What is testosterone therapy?

As women age, besides a low libido, they also report feeling overly fatigued as well as notice a decrease in their stamina. Testosterone therapy can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Boosting the body’s over all testosterone levels can help to increase energy as well as improve stamina. Testosterone therapy is used to treat this hormone deficiency in pre and postmenopausal women, states this study, published in Maturitas. The study states that testosterone, as well as androgens levels dip as we age. Therefore, many pre and post-menopausal women, as well as ageing men, begin to showcase symptoms of androgen deficiency. This leads them to be have higher anxiety, irritability as well as depression. Besides this, they experience a lack of well being, physical fatigue and bone loss and muscle loss. Hot flashes, breast pain and urinary complaints are also common. Another big symptom is sexual dysfunction. This is why it is testosterone therapy for boosting sex drive as well as other symptoms comes as a ray of hope to many. Check out how androgen levels can impact your body and mind.

How does testosterone therapy boost sex drive?

Kate Winslet says that she uses testosterone therapy to boost sex drive, and this replaced testosterone helps her to feel sexy again! So, yes, testosterone therapy can be used to boost libido, and helps in increasing sex drive. But this will only work if your dip in libido is due to your low testosterone levels. As one ages, one notices a decline in an interest in sex and your sexual performance might also go down. So to counteract these changes, many people take to testosterone therapy to boost their sex drive. Along with therapy there are natural ways too of boosting testosterone. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, states that testosterone therapy led to an improvement in sexual desire. However, when it comes to women, the affects of this therapy needs to be evaluated further.

As women age, they lose testosterone and this can result in low libido, as well as other symptoms. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Benefits of testosterone therapy in women

Here are some of the ways testosterone therapy can help deal with the symptoms of menopause

1. Increase sexual well being

Sexual libido decreases after the age of 40 years in women, and testosterone therapy can help rebuild these levels. When women have low levels of testosterone in their body, the size and sensitivity of the clitoris might also decrease. This makes it tough for them to have an orgasm. Therefore, testosterone replacement can help solve this problem as well. A study published in Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, observed that women who were given testosterone therapy reported to have an increased peak in clitoral artery peak systolic velocity, that is the deep artery of the clitoris. It was seen that there was increased clitoral blood flow and an improvement in sexual function.

2. Helps to build lean mass and muscle

If a women has less testosterone levels, she might not be able to build lean mass and muscle, despite following the same workout routine as a woman who has normal levels of testosterone. Testosterone leads to an increase in muscle mass as well as a leaner body. This helps women feel less fatigued. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, states that testosterone helps to build muscle mass by increasing muscle protein synthesis.

3. Healthy bones

Testosterone helps to build healthy bones as well. Low levels are an important risk factor for bone mineral density loss in women. When testosterone increased muscle mass in women, this helps to build bone density, and that can lead to stronger bones. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, states that higher testosterone concentration in older women is linked with with greater bone mineral density as well as lean body mass, and total fat mass.

4. Sharper brain

Concentration, clarity as well as overall cognition depend on testosterone levels as well. When these levels decrease, in menopause, it can lead to brain fog and anxiety, depression. A study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, stated that the mean testosterone level was 30% lower in the depressed participants.

How to get testosterone therapy done?

Administering testosterone therapy to boost sex drive, or for any other reason, needs to be consulted with a doctor. There are many ways to do testosterone therapy. People can take oral medications for the same. Besides this, there are injections that are available that are intramuscular. There are also transdermal patches, mouth patches, as well as topical creams or gels that can be used. Additionally, intranasal gels or pellets are also available. Some of these might need to be administered daily, while others need months or weekly application. All treatments must be discussed with your doctor.

Testosterone replacement therapy can be done through oral medications, patches, creams. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How do doctors monitor your testosterone therapy levels

There are some tests such as blood tests, as well as scans that will help the doctors determine your progress. The doctor will also conduct physical examinations. Your levels will be checked at the start of the treatment, and then repeated in three to six months. Patients of osteoporosis will also underdo bone density scams.

Risks of testosterone therapy

There are some side effects of testosterone therapy as well. According to the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, low dose testosterone therapy can lead to masculinizing symptoms and abnormal bleeding in the uterus. It can also lead to acne, and other skin reactions. It can increase facial hair, as well as deepening of voice. It can also change body odour and lead to menstrual changes. Other side affects are nausea, vomiting and mood changes.

Read Also: Give these 7 vegan face masks a try if you want a glowing skin