From the Guidelines
A supplement with the listed ingredients is unlikely to significantly help a 40-year-old woman with low testosterone, and instead, she should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. The ingredients, such as Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, and Tribulus, have limited evidence for mild testosterone effects in men, but there's minimal research supporting their effectiveness specifically for women with low testosterone 1. The American College of Physicians guideline on testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone highlights the controversy surrounding testosterone treatment and the need for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan 1.
Key Considerations
- The supplement ingredients may affect hormone pathways, but they haven't been proven effective for female testosterone deficiency and could potentially interfere with other medications or cause unwanted hormonal effects.
- Many women with symptoms attributed to "low testosterone" may actually have other hormonal imbalances or health conditions that require different treatments altogether.
- Medical approaches for women with low testosterone may include prescription testosterone preparations specifically dosed for women, which can be administered as creams, gels, or occasionally injections.
Recommendation
A woman with clinically low testosterone should consult with a healthcare provider, preferably an endocrinologist or gynecologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment. This approach prioritizes the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, and is based on the best available evidence, including the American College of Physicians guideline on testosterone treatment in adult men with age-related low testosterone 1.
From the Research
Ingredients and Their Effects on Testosterone
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract: There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Ashwagandha root extract affects testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Longjack (Eurycoma longifolia) root powder: No studies are provided that link Longjack root powder to testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (50% saponin) seed extract: There is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Fenugreek seed extract affects testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Epimedium (Epimedium brevicornum) leaf powder: No studies are provided that link Epimedium leaf powder to testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Desert hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) root powder: There is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Desert hyacinth root powder affects testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) (45% saponin) fruit/leaf extract: No studies are provided that link Tribulus fruit/leaf extract to testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) bark powder: There is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Muira puama bark powder affects testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Idaho Blue spruce (Picea pungens)† aerial parts oil: No studies are provided that link Idaho Blue spruce aerial parts oil to testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)† flowering top oil: There is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Goldenrod flowering top oil affects testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Cassia: No studies are provided that link Cassia to testosterone levels in women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Testosterone Deficiency in Women
- Testosterone deficiency in women can result from various conditions, including oophorectomy, adrenalectomy, adrenal disease, pituitary disease, HIV infection, premature ovarian failure, Turner's syndrome, and the use of high-dose corticosteroids and some estrogen preparations 5.
- Simple aging and natural menopause may also contribute to testosterone deficiency in some women 5.
- The diagnosis of female androgen deficiency syndrome (FADS) is currently being developed, and current approaches for treating testosterone deficiency in women include conventional ERT/HRT and experimental testosterone transdermal patches 5.
Treatment of Low Testosterone in Women
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that the supplement with the given ingredients would help a 40-year-old woman with low testosterone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The optimal treatment for low testosterone in women is still a topic of debate, and more research is needed to determine the safest and most effective treatments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.