Androgen is the hormone that contributes reproduction and growth in both males and females. The deficiency of androgen hormones in females is a controversial concept, as there is argument between the researches related to the condition. According to some researchers, there is not enough evidence to support the existence of androgen deficiency in females whereas others say that androgen deficiency in females cause loss of sexual interest and tiredness. Let us learn more about androgen hormones and androgen deficiency in females.

What Are Androgens?

Androgens are chemical messengers that are usually known as male hormone but they are also produced in female body in small amounts. The adrenal glands, ovaries, fat cells and the skin cells make the female body’s androgens supply. The hormone is related to growth and reproduction.

The production of androgen hormone in the females is tapered as she ages. By the time the female reaches the age of 40, androgen level is half than the way it used to be when she was 20.

What are the symptoms of androgen deficiency in the females?

In females androgen deficiency the following symptoms such as loss of muscle mass and strength,  loss of libido,  tiredness,  low mood,  low well-being and lack of motivation.

What Causes and deficiency in female?

The possible causes of androgen deficiency in females are discussed below:

• Oophorectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries.
• Aging – There is drop in androgen hormone as the female ages
• Oral oestrogen therapy – In the female who is given oestrogen tablets or combined oral contraceptive pills to manage the symptoms of menopause the production of androgen hormones by the ovaries shut down.
• Hyperprolactinemia – This condition leads to over production of prolactin hormone.
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea – The loss of periods in the females of reproductive age due to stress, extreme, exercise or extreme weight loss lowers the production of androgen hormones by the ovaries.
• Hypopituitarism –  it is a rare disorder of the pituitary gland
• Primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency

How is androgen deficiency in females diagnosed?

It is important to have a medical check-up if you suspect that you have androgen deficiency. The symptoms of androgen deficiency in females are similar to the conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism and depression. There is no specific test to determine androgen deficiency exhaustion.  There are salivary and blood test but they lack accuracy in measuring low level of testosterone hormone in females. Some sensitive testosterone tests are also available now days.  In the female of reproductive age, the tests are done about in 8-20 days after you get your menstrual period.

How Is Androgen Deficiency In Females Treated?

Androgen deficiency in female is a debatable topic and has no standard treatment. In some cases low dose testosterone cream is recommended for daily application to restore the testosterone levels. Generally, in postmenopausal females testosterone therapy is not recommended unless they are also having oestrogen therapy. Research in this area is being performed. In addition, there are no long-term studies of the effect of testosterone therapy in female so the benefits and long-term health risks are unknown. Consult your doctor for proper medication and treatment.

What are the side effects of testosterone therapy in females?

As discussed above more research is being done in this field and so the long term side effects of testosterone therapy is not known. The risk however depends upon many factors such as the doses, treatment method and length of the therapy. Some of the known side effects of too much testosterone therapy in females include masculine physical characteristics,  irritability or aggression and excessive hair growth.

Testosterone therapy in the female treatsandrogen deficiency in females. However, this therapy may not be appropriate for females who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, in females who are sexually active and are of reproductive age but are not using contraceptive measures and breastfeeding females. In addition, females who have alopecia, hirsutism, acne and steroid dependent cancer should avoid testosterone therapy.

The females who choose testosterone therapy requires regular and close monitoring to minimize the side effects and related risks. We advise the females who suspect that she is suffering from androgen deficiency and chooses testosterone therapy should consult a doctor who is knowledgeable in this area and gives up to date and accurate advice as well as can monitor the treatment properly.

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