How Do Low Levels of Testosterone Affect My Libido?

Feeling sexy during menopause can have its ups and downs, literally. Experiencing sexual desire can seem unreal amidst the constant barrage of menopausal mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain and night sweats. Leaving you physically and emotionally drained, these symptoms can also affect your libido – leaving sex the last thing on your mind.

To counteract these effects, it´s important to understand your body´s testosterone levels and how they affect sexual desire.

Read on to learn how testosterone can affect your libido and help recharge your sex life.

What is Testosterone?

Commonly known as the male sex hormone, testosterone is a cholesterol-derived steroid hormone that helps to promote sexual maturation in males and system regulation in females. In women production of testosterone occurs in the ovaries and adrenal glands and functions to help boost sexual drive, strength and mental stimulation. Compared to males, women produce about one-seventh of the amount of testosterone which is essential for normal sexual development throughout life. Click here to read more about testosterone or continue reading below to learn more about how to treat low libido caused by testosterone.

Recharge: Testosterone and Your Libido

Considered the vitality force in rousing sexual desire, testosterone is essential to our sex drive because it influences the “ring of sexual intercourse” – interest, arousal, sexual response, lubrication and arousal. After menopause testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease while estrogen levels rapidly decline. This leaves many women with abnormally high levels of testosterone, causing “testosterone dominance.” Symptoms of testosterone dominance include increased facial hair, deepening of the voice, acne and change in body shape and can result in increased aggression and uncharacteristically masculine behavior in women. Pregnant women with high testosterone levels generally birth smaller, less healthy babies that often experience social and developmental problems.

In women production of testosterone occurs as a multi-step process occurring within both the ovaries and adrenal glands. In perimenopause and menopause hormones produced by the ovaries decline and can result in the adrenal glands taking over control of sex hormone production if adrenal reserves remain strong. But for many women who experience undue stress, the adrenal reserves deplete, resulting in lowered sexual desire.

During perimenopause and menopause, women with a healthier, less stressful lifestyle usually maintain healthy levels of testosterone production due to better adrenal function. Read on for some advice about taking testosterone to treat low libido.

Is Testosterone Right For Me?

In a study done on postmenopausal women, investigators found boosting testosterone levels was associated with increased sexual desire for lowered libido and increased sexual arousal. Although experts agree it´s not a cure-all for the sexual blues, there is a correlation between testosterone and increased sexual desire.

Remember your sexuality is a great influence on your health and well-being. Understand what´s best for you. Click here to read more information about testosterone and menopause.