Low testosterone in women can lead to a lot of symptoms related to low sex drive, constant fatigue, inability to lose weight and a feeling that you are losing control of what’s happening to your body.

If you’re suffering from low testosterone levels, you might be feeling pretty frustrated. After all, testosterone is responsible for important body functions like energy levels, sex drive, and muscle mass. Luckily, there are natural ways to increase your testosterone levels using Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that works with herbal supplements, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and yogic practices to naturally establish balance in the body. In this post we will look into highly effective Ayurvedic ways to increase testosterone levels in women.

Functions of Testosterone for women’s health

Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for many things in the human body, and that includes both men and women. In women, testosterone helps with things like sex drive, energy levels, bone density and muscle mass. It’s important to have a healthy balance of testosterone in order to maintain optimal health.

Testosterone and Sex Drive in Women

Studies indicate that testosterone along with estrogen plays an important role in maintaining sexual function and desire for intimacy in women. Specifically during ovulation, estrogen and testosterone rise providing ideal environment for reproduction with increased sexual desire, vaginal lubrication and changes in cervix.

Testosterone and Hormone Balance in Women

Testosterone levels can have an impact on other hormones in the body, including estrogen and progesterone. When testosterone levels are too low, it can cause a decrease in estrogen levels. This can lead to things like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Progesterone is another hormone that can be affected by low testosterone levels. A decrease in progesterone can cause irregular periods, mood swings, and weight gain.

One of the common challenges that women face is how to balance their testosterone levels. Too much testosterone can lead to unwanted hair growth, acne, and deepening of the voice. On the other hand, too little testosterone can cause fatigue, low libido, and depression.

What are Normal levels of Testosterone in women?

Testosterone levels vary from person to person, but in general, women should have lower levels of testosterone than men.

Here’s a graph that indicates levels of testosterone in men and women with age right from fetus stage till old age. Reference: A Theory Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality

The average woman’s testosterone levels will peak in her early 20s and then gradually decline as she ages. However, every woman is different and some women may have higher or lower levels at different stages in their lives.

As you can see, there is a wide range of what is considered “normal” when it comes to testosterone levels in women. If your levels fall within this range, there is no need to be concerned. However, if your levels are significantly lower or higher than these averages, it could be indicative of a problem.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women

Low testosterone levels in women can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common symptoms of low testosterone. It can be hard to get through the day when you’re constantly feeling exhausted.
• Low sex drive: A decreased libido is another common symptom of low testosterone levels. If you used to enjoy sex but now find it uninteresting or even painful, it could be a sign of low testosterone in your body.
• Depression and anxiety: Low testosterone levels can also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. This is likely due to the impact that testosterone has on other hormones in the body, like serotonin.
• Weight gain: Weight gain is another possible symptom of low testosterone levels. This is because testosterone helps to regulate metabolism. When levels are low, metabolism can slow down, leading to weight gain.
• Muscle loss: Low testosterone levels can also cause muscle loss. This is because testosterone is necessary for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Bone loss: Low testosterone levels can lead to bone loss, particularly in post-menopausal women. This is because testosterone helps to maintain bone density.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to test your testosterone levels and give you the best course of treatment.

Causes of Low testosterone levels in females

There are a variety of possible causes of low testosterone levels in women. These can include:

1. Age

One of the most common causes of low testosterone levels is age. As women get older, their bodies produce less and less testosterone. This is why symptoms of low testosterone are often more prevalent in post-menopausal women. In addition, certain life stages such as pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect your libido and hormone levels.

2. Medical conditions

Some health disorders such as diabetes, liver problems, thyroid disease and autoimmune conditions can also lead to low testosterone levels.

3. Medications

Certain medications can also lead to low testosterone levels. These include corticosteroids, immune suppressants, opiates, and some cancer treatments.

4. Stress

Stress can also have an impact on hormone levels, including testosterone levels. When you’re constantly stressed, your body may produce less testosterone as a result.

5. Excessive alcohol and smoking

Both excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can lead to low testosterone levels. This is because they can damage the adrenal glands and ovaries, which produce testosterone in women.

If you think you may be experiencing low testosterone levels, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to test your hormone levels and give you the best course of treatment.

Conventional Treatments for low testosterone levels in women

There are a variety of possible treatments for low testosterone levels in women. These can include:

• Replacement therapy: One of the most common treatments for low testosterone levels is replacement therapy. This involves taking testosterone supplements to bring your levels back up to normal.
• Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives can also help to treat low testosterone levels. This is because they can help to regulate hormone levels in the body.

However, without treating the underlying cause of low testosterone, these measures are hardly effective. In addition, they disturb the balance of other hormones and affect several body systems.

Ayurvedic Perspective: Low Libido and Low Testosterone in women

In Ayurveda, there are three main doshas that govern our health – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each dosha is responsible for different functions in the body, and when they are in balance, our hormones function well. However, when one or more of the doshas become imbalanced, it can lead to health problems such as low sex drive, fatigue and mood swings.

As the hormones ebb and flow throughout the menstrual cycle, it also affects a woman’s mood and motivation. For example, your sex drive and general energy levels are the highest at the middle of the cycle during ovulation. The timings parallel with the fertile window for a women, thus naturally reproduction.

Ayurvedic medicine is highly effective in supporting for healthy testosterone levels in women. Ayurveda treatment for low testosterone focuses on to restore hormonal balance, strengthen the body and support development of healthy bones and muscle tissues with the help of herbal supplements, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and yogic practices.

Ayurvedic medicines to Raise Testosterone levels in women

In Ayurveda, Vajikarana (fertility and reproduction) is a one of the eight major specialties. Vajikarana rasayana constitute herbal supplements and aphrodisiacs that improve virility in men and women, thus ensuring a healthy child.

Proper use of Ayurvedic medicines improves physical strength, potency, hormone balance, complexion and sexual function in women:

• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to help balance hormones and reduce stress levels. It is an adaptogen that fights fatigue, boost vitality and strength in the body.
• Bala: Bala is a potent herb that acts as a rejuvenator and strength builder. It is also known for its ability to boost immunity, improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Shatavari: Shatavari is an herb that is traditionally used to treat female reproductive issues. It is known for its ability to balance hormone levels and improve fertility.
• Mucuna pruriens: It has been traditionally used to treat low sex drive or loss of libido, sexual dysfunction and boost reproductive system health in women. Also known as konch ke beej, mucuna pruriens is known for its ability to improve circulation, boost stamina and also help in treatment of skin pigmentation.
• Giloy: Giloy is known for its ability to boost immunity, improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Shilajit: It is a herbo-mineral naturally occurring substance that is used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost both testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
• Safed Musli: It is a potent Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and stimulate female libido and energy levels. Safed musli is also used in traditional Ayurvedic formulations to treat female infertility and reproductive health issues such as irregular periods and infertility.

Dietary Tips and Best Foods to increase Testosterone levels in women

A healthy diet is important for overall hormone balance. Eating a diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, and low in processed foods, can help to keep hormones balanced. Here are specific nutrients, foods and dietary changes that are helpful in increasing testosterone levels in women:

• Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can interfere with hormone levels and cause anxiety and stress after the stimulation from the caffeine subsides down.
• Include more protein: Protein is essential for the production of testosterone. Eating more protein-rich foods, such as meats, eggs, and legumes, can help to increase testosterone levels.
• Eating more healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, can also help to increase testosterone levels.
• Include more zinc-rich foods: Zinc is an essential mineral for the production of testosterone. Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, beef, and spinach.

Including these foods in your diet can help to increase testosterone levels and improve your overall health.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can also help to increase testosterone levels.

Weight loss: Weight loss can also be helpful in treating low testosterone levels. This is because carrying around extra weight can lead to lower testosterone levels.

Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to increase testosterone levels by stimulating the production of the hormone. This is because it helps to improve circulation and reduce stress levels.

Reduce stress: Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and can reduce testosterone levels. Reducing stress through yoga, meditation, or other stress-relieving activities can help to increase testosterone levels.

Balance Your blood sugar levels: Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is important for overall health and can also help to increase testosterone levels.

Quit smoking: Smoking can interfere with hormone levels and can lead to reduced testosterone levels.

Making these lifestyle changes can help to increase testosterone levels and improve your overall health.

Takeaway

Ayurvedic medicine provides effective natural and holistic treatment for low testosterone in women. If you are interested in trying Ayurveda to treat your condition, it is important to consult with an experienced practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

FAQ

1. Is it hard to lose weight with low testosterone?

Low testosterone levels in females can cause weight gain, increased fat storage and reduced muscle mass. The hormone plays an important role in regulating metabolism and low levels can make it difficult to lose weight. As a result, women with low testosterone often struggle with weight loss problems, even if they are following a healthy diet and exercise program.

In addition, testosterone helps to preserve bone density, and low levels can contribute to osteoporosis. Low testosterone levels can also cause fatigue, depression, and decreased libido. The condition is often under diagnosed and under treated.

However, there are highly effective Ayurvedic natural treatments that can help to increase testosterone levels, balance your hormones and improve weight loss. Ultimately, working with an experienced doctor can help women with low testosterone to reach their weight loss goals.

2. Can you naturally increase testosterone in females?

According to Ayurvedic principles, there are a number of ways to increase testosterone in females. One way is to consume more foods that are rich in zinc, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, and eggs. Another is to include more healthy fats in the diet, such as avocados and nuts. Additionally, regular exercise and reducing stress levels can also help to increase testosterone production. So, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, following these Ayurvedic principles can help to naturally increase testosterone levels in females.

3. Can Ayurveda treat low testosterone?

One of the key principles of Ayurveda is that imbalances in the body can lead to disease. Low testosterone is often caused by an imbalance in the body’s hormones. Ayurvedic doctors treat low testosterone by using a variety of techniques to restore balance. These include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and herbal supplements. Ayurvedic treatment for low testosterone often includes the use of herbs such as ashwagandha, shilajit, and tribulus terrestris. These herbs help to increase testosterone levels and improve overall health. In addition, Ayurveda recommends lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and stress reduction. By following these recommendations, men can improve their testosterone levels and enjoy better overall health.

4. What is Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women?

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a condition where a woman has a lack or absence of sexual thoughts and desires. This doesn’t mean that she can’t feel pleasure during sex, but rather that she doesn’t have any spontaneous sexual thoughts or cravings. It’s important to note that this condition is different from anorgasmia, which is the inability to reach orgasm. While anorgasmia can be a symptom of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, it’s not the same thing. There are many possible causes of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, including psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Physical factors such as fatigue, pain during sex, or certain medical conditions can also contribute to the development of this condition. If you think you might have hypoactive sexual desire disorder, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

References

Increasing women’s sexual desire: The comparative effectiveness of estrogens and androgens

Average Associations Between Sexual Desire, Testosterone, and Stress in Women and Men Over Time

Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian concepts

RASAYANA AND VAJIKARANA