Why do Women have Testosterone?

All healthy women produce testosterone. As a woman ages, testosterone levels can lower and can have symptoms such as depression, loss of muscle strength, and lack of sexual desire. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you may be diagnosed with the Female Androgen Insufficiency syndrome. Female Androgen Insufficiency syndrome is most common for menopausal women or those that had early menopause due to having their ovaries removed. The most common treatment is estrogen replacement to postmenopausal women and those who have had their ovaries removed may find that this often causes and worsens this syndrome. Another important hormone that can produce Female Androgen Deficiency is DHEA-S. You can order your own lab tests to check your hormone levels – there are inexpensive lab tests for DHEA-S, testosterone and other important hormones that regulate the body. If you have any of the symptoms such as muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pain during intercourse or lack of libido, look at your testosterone and DHEA-S hormone levels and have your physician determine the best protocol. Note: If your doctor prescribes male hormones, you should not take them longer than a few months and your doctor should discuss all the potential side effects with you.