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Testosterone is important for women's health, also during and after menopause. When levels drop, women may experience decreased sex drive, fatigue and muscle weakness. Testosterone treatment can be an effective way to alleviate these complaints, but it requires careful monitoring and adjustment of the dosage. In Sweden, testosterone treatment for women is possible, but often it is used as part of a tailored hormone treatment under medical supervision. For women experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it may be worth discussing treatment with their doctor and undergoing the necessary tests to evaluate their hormonal health.
How can testosterone affect well-being during menopause?
Testosterone is produced in both the ovaries and adrenal glands in women, but during menopause production gradually decreases. This reduction does not occur as quickly as with estrogen, but the effects of low testosterone can cause several discomforts. Common symptoms are reduced sex drive, weaker muscles, fatigue and a general deterioration of well-being. Testosterone is also important for mood and cognitive function, which means that low levels can lead to mood swings and depression.
How are women affected by low testosterone in menopause?
Women with lower testosterone concentrations, or who experience a significant drop in testosterone during menopause, may experience a variety of symptoms or discomfort including:
- Decreased sex drive one of the most common indications of low testosterone. Women may experience decreased desire for sex or feel less pleasure during intercourse.
- Decreased muscle mass and strength testosterone helps maintain muscle mass and strength, and lower levels can make muscles feel weaker.
- Fatigue and decreased energy: many women describe a decreased motivation and energy, which can be linked to both low testosterone and estrogen.
- Mood changes: testosterone also plays a role in mood regulation, causing women with low levels to experience low mood or irritability.
Can testosterone treatment make a difference?
Testosterone treatment has received increased attention in medical research, and several studies show that it can help women with low testosterone levels during and after menopause. The treatment can improve sex drive, increase muscle strength and reduce fatigue.
The research also shows that testosterone can improve the quality of life, but the treatment must be individually adapted and carried out under medical supervision. Too high doses can cause side effects such as hair growth, acne or deepening of the voice, which makes it important to regularly check and adjust hormone levels.
Treatment is often given in the form of low-dose creams, gels or patches, which ensure an even hormonal balance and minimizes the risk of side effects.
Testosterone treatment is usually given as creams or patches, with much lower doses than those used for men.
What tests can be done to measure testosterone?
To determine testosterone levels, a blood test can be used. Usually, both total testosterone is measured along with free testosterone, which is the biologically active form of the hormone. Normal testosterone levels for women vary by age, but are usually between 0.3 and 2.0 nmol/L. It is important to also assess the woman's entire hormonal balance, including estrogen and progesterone, to get an accurate picture of her hormonal status.
What are normal testosterone levels for women?
Testosterone is found in much lower levels in women than in men, but it still plays a crucial role. In premenopausal women, testosterone levels are often between 0.7 and 3.0 nmol/L, while after menopause they may drop below 1.0 nmol/L. Although the adrenal glands continue to produce small amounts of testosterone after menopause, these levels can become low enough to cause symptoms.
Can women receive testosterone treatment in Sweden?
In Sweden, testosterone treatment is available for women, although it is not as common as estrogen treatment. For women with symptoms such as decreased sex drive or fatigue due to low testosterone, a doctor may prescribe treatment after a careful evaluation. The treatment is often combined with estrogen to balance hormone levels. Although testosterone treatment for women is more limited than in some other countries, where specific products are available, in Sweden bioidentical testosterone or creams applied to the skin are most often used.
