A
male
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:For the past 5 weeks my wife's been getting moody, irritable and fed-up and I've had no idea why.Talking didn't help, she just ranted.I, however, found out why, on a day I had off from work (it was a training course, but I didn't need to attend since I had the relevant qualifications in that area) - my wife had been taking testosterone injections.I'd found the equipment hidden under magazines in the living room and I think, although I'm not certain, she's been taking them after I've set out for work.That probably explains why she's so moody and irritable a lot of the time.I don't understand why she'd just like that take testosterone injections or where she'd got them from - talking to her got no response, she just would not talk about it.I wanted to find out why, be a good husband towards her, but she wouldn't even show that courtesy in return.I mean, she doesn't really like the gym, so sports use of it can be ruled out, but why would a woman of her age (she's 25) take testosterone?This situation is baffling me so much I can't figure a way out. Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (1 September 2009): I see all these posts about why she *might* be taking them. And I seen your response, but honestly...the way I see it is that's your wife you can confront her about anything, and whether she wants to admit or not, she needs to tell you. That's called a marriage. Being that she's taking some non-prescribed testosterone, would be a good time to assert yourself demand an answer.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (27 August 2009): As others have said, there are legitimate reasons for both men and women to use testosterone. The reasons vary between men and women and testosterone should only be used when symptoms appear and when the person's testosterone level is low. It is very important that a doctor do a blood test to determine a patient's T level, both total T and free T. Taking T when the level is in a good range can drive it too high and cause bad side effects. Athletes who use high amounts of T risk serious health side effects. For both men and women, the optimal range is normally thought to be at the middle of the lab normal range or somewhat higher.
T is sometimes prescribed for women for sexual dysfunction, or the lack of the ability to have an orgasm. It has been shown to be useful for this. High levels of T in women have several side effects. These are acne, facial hair growth, loss of hear on the head, enlargement of the clitoris and deepening voice. The first 2 normally clear up when T administration is stopped, but the last 3 are normally not reversible. It typically takes about 6 months for side effects to show up and the first signs of high T are usually the reversible ones of acne and facial hair growth.
A man's normal testosterone level is about 10 times that of a woman. That is why men have more muscle mass, more body and facial hair, are prone to baldness and have a higher sex drive.
If your wife has reason to believe that her T level is low then she should see a doctor to have it tested and be ready to discuss what symptoms she has that causes her to think that it is low.
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (27 August 2009): As the original author of this post here,I can confirm that it wasn't prescribed by a doctor though, that's all I could get out of her when I asked her where she got it from (it is her day off work today!)She's never had a hysterectomy, or indeed anything medical, her health appears to be normal, so I don't get why she's doing this.
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A
male
reader, Perspicacious +, writes (27 August 2009):
While testosterone is primarily associated with men, females do need and produce it too (although at much different levels to men). Therefore, there are medical situations where a doctor would prescribe testosterone injections for a woman.
As hormones are closely linked to issues such as sexual performance / libido, fertility and so on it could well be that your wife is ashamed, embarrassed, or worried by whatever it is that is causing her to take the injections.
I think you need to be calm and patient with her, give her time, and keep encouraging her to talk to you about this issue. Explain you are worried, that you love her no matter what, and whatever it is that you want to be able to support her.
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A
female
reader, MonicaC  +, writes (27 August 2009):
 25 is a bit young to be taking testosterone injections, but typically a gynecologist will prescribe them to help women who have a low sex drive get back to a more normal sexual libido. If your wife has had a hysterectomy or has a hormonal imbalance, then her OB-GYN may have prescribed these medications to help set things to rights.
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A
male
reader, Sphronas +, writes (27 August 2009):
 There are all kinds of reasons why women might take testosterone supplements (with or without a prescription). These range from increasing one's sex drive over alleviating the effects of menopause generally to treating certain side effects or after effects of cancer and other health problems. I am not a doctor but as far as I know there is significant disagreement as to whether testosterone is effective as a treatment for any or all of these things. Unfortunately, I cannot give you advice on how to get your wife to open up to you, but the very first thing you should do is make sure that she is actually taking this hormone under the supervision of a qualified doctor. With that out of the way, perhaps you can get her to understand that you are extremely worried about her and that she needs to let you know at least in broad outline what is going on so that you can be there for her.
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