Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for women with low testosterone levels, but it can cause unwanted side effects such as hair loss and acne 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, 2021. While TRT can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, it is essential to consider supplements that may help mitigate these side effects.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto, a plant extract, has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including hair loss and prostate issues 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, 2021. Research suggests that saw palmetto may inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone Seeking advice for Female, age 26, irregular periods/amenorrhea, 2020. Elevated DHT levels have been linked to hair loss and acne, making saw palmetto a potential supplement for mitigating these side effects.

A two-year trial comparing the effects of oral saw palmetto extract to finasteride in men with mild-to-moderate pattern balding found that finasteride led to hair regrowth in 68% of subjects, while 38% of those in the saw palmetto group experienced improved hair growth 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, 2021. While this study focused on men, the results suggest that saw palmetto may be beneficial for women experiencing hair loss due to TRT.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil, rich in phytoestrogens and fatty acids, has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including prostate issues and menopausal symptoms Šamec et al., 2022. Research suggests that pumpkin seed oil may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help mitigate the side effects of TRT M Abd-Elhakim et al., 2024.

A study examining the effects of pumpkin seed oil on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) found that the oil effectively reduced BPH symptoms and improved prostate health Zerafatjou et al., 2021. While this study focused on men, the results suggest that pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial for women experiencing prostate-related issues due to TRT.

Other Supplements

Other supplements, such as vitamin E, protein, and essential fats, may also be beneficial in mitigating the side effects of TRT 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, 2021. A study involving women and men with various types and degrees of hair loss found that those receiving supplements with alpha-tocopherol plus mixed tocotrienols experienced a significant increase in hair numbers over eight months 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects, 2021.

Conclusion

While saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial in mitigating the side effects of TRT in women, more research is needed to fully understand their effects. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen, as they may interact with other medications or have adverse effects. A comprehensive approach that considers individual patient characteristics, medical history, and treatment goals is crucial for optimising TRT outcomes.

References

Cited References:
‍

(2021). 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and sexual side effects. https://ceforum.info/forums/topic/5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors-and-sexual-side-effects/
‍

(2020). Seeking advice for female, age 26, irregular periods/amenorrhea. https://ceforum.info/forums/topic/seeking-advice-for-female-age-26-irregular-periods-amenorrhea/
‍

Šamec, D., Rosa Loizzo, M., Gortzi, O., Tatlı Çankaya, İ., Tundis, R., Suntar, İ., Shirooie, S., Zengin, G., Prasad Devkota, H., Reboredo-Rodríguez, P., Sherif T S Hassan, S., Manayi, A., Hamid Reza Khayat Kashani, H., & Mohammad Nabavi, S. (2022). The potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food-a comprehensive review of chemical composition, health benefits, and safety.. Comprehensive Reviews In Food Science And Food Safety. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.13013
‍

M Abd-Elhakim, Y., Samaa Salah Abd El-Fatah, S., Behairy, A., M Saber, T., I El-Sharkawy, N., G Moustafa, G., Elsayed Abdelgawad, F., Saber, T., M Samaha, M., & I El Euony, O. (2024). Pumpkin seed oil lessens the colchicine-induced altered sex male hormone balance, testicular oxidative status, sperm abnormalities, and collagen deposition in male rats via caspase3/desmin/pcna modulation.. Food And Chemical Toxicology : An International Journal Published For The British Industrial Biological Research Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2024.115029
‍

Zerafatjou, N., Amirzargar, M., Biglarkhani, M., Shobeirian, F., & Zoghi, G. (2021). Pumpkin seed oil (cucurbita pepo) versus tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.. BMC Urology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-021-00910-8‍

Relevant but not cited:
‍

Agrawal, P., M Singh, S., Hsueh, J., Grutman, A., An, C., Able, C., Choi, U., Kohn, J., Clifton, M., & P Kohn, T. (2024). Testosterone therapy in females is not associated with increased cardiovascular or breast cancer risk: a claims database analysis.. The Journal Of Sexual Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae032
‍

Stuursma, A., Lanjouw, L., L Idema, D., H de Bock, G., & Marian J E Mourits, M. (2022). Surgical menopause and bilateral oophorectomy: effect of estrogen-progesterone and testosterone replacement therapy on psychological well-being and sexual functioning; a systematic literature review.. The Journal Of Sexual Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.191
‍

Jiang, X., Bossert, A., Nathan Parthasarathy, K., Leaman, K., S Minassian, S., F Schnatz, P., & B Woodland, M. (2021). Safety assessment of compounded non-fda-approved hormonal therapy versus fda-approved hormonal therapy in treating postmenopausal women.. Menopause (New York, N.Y.). https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001782
‍

Kang, X., Chen, T., Zhou, J., Shen, P., Dai, S., Gao, C., Zhang, J., Xiong, X., & Liu, D. (2022). Phytosterols in hull-less pumpkin seed oil, rich in ∆^7-phytosterols, ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia by lowing 5α-reductase and regulating balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats.. Food & Nutrition Research. https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v65.7537
‍

Theil, G., Richter, M., Schulze, M., Köttig, T., Patz, B., Heim, S., Krauß, Y., Markov, M., & Fornara, P. (2022). Extract from cucurbita pepo improves bph symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study.. World Journal Of Urology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-022-04036-w
‍

M Luther, P., J Spillers, N., C Talbot, N., S Sinnathamby, E., Ellison, D., A Kelkar, R., Ahmadzadeh, S., Shekoohi, S., & D Kaye, A. (2024). Testosterone replacement therapy: clinical considerations.. Expert Opinion On Pharmacotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2024.2306832
‍

Zitzmann, M., C Michel, M., & Sperling, H. (2024). [testosterone replacement therapy and possible side effects].. Urologie (Heidelberg, Germany). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00120-024-02455-8
‍

R Davis, S. (2022). Testosterone for women: certainties and uncertainties.. Climacteric : The Journal Of The International Menopause Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.2146492
‍

DeRosa, A. (2020). Gender bias in the treatment of menopausal women: i am hot as hell and not going to take it anymore, part 1.. International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Compounding. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217736
‍

A Chadwick, K., Blake Simpson, C., O McGarey Jr, P., Murphy Estes, C., Nix, J., & Sulica, L. (2020). Voice change following testosterone supplementation in women: a multi-institutional case series.. Journal Of Voice : Official Journal Of The Voice Foundation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.03.008
‍

G Rojas-Zambrano, J. & R Rojas-Zambrano, A. (2024). Effects of testosterone hormone on the sexual aspect of postmenopausal women: a systematic review.. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.68046
‍

Fink, J. & Horie, S. (2023). Novel methods for the treatment of low testosterone.. Expert Review Of Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2023.2197059