Hormone therapy for women has become an essential treatment option for those experiencing the challenging symptoms of perimenopause and menopause hormonal imbalance. While many people are familiar with estrogen and progesterone therapies, testosterone is often overlooked as a key hormone in women's health and menopause hormone support. In this article, we’ll explore the facts about testosterone therapy and how it fits into a comprehensive hormone therapy plan for women.
Common Myths About Testosterone Therapy For Women
Testosterone therapy, traditionally associated with men, is gaining recognition for its
potential benefits for women, particularly those navigating perimenopause and menopause. Despite its increasing use, there are still several misconceptions about hormone therapy for women, which may discourage those who could benefit from treatment during menopause. Let’s explore and clarify some of these common myths.
Myth 1: Testosterone Therapy is Only for Men
A widespread myth about hormone therapy for women is that testosterone is exclusively a male hormone. While men produce higher levels of testosterone, it is also vital for women’s health, particularly for menopausal hormone support. Women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, where it plays a crucial role in processes such as libido, energy levels, mood regulation, and muscle mass maintenance.
Myth 2: Testosterone Therapy Leads to Masculinization in Women
Many women fear that testosterone therapy will cause masculine traits, such as a deepened voice, excessive body and facial hair growth, increased muscle mass, or altered facial features.
However, when administered correctly and under medical supervision, testosterone therapy for women does not cause masculinization. Proper dosing is key, and our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) certified Nurse Practitioners customize treatment plans to maintain hormone levels within the normal female range for menopausal hormone support. Continuous monitoring of hormones helps prevent any unwanted side effects.
Myth 3: Testosterone Only Enhances Sex Drive and Libido
Testosterone does more than just enhance libido. While it is important for sexual function, it also plays a significant role in ovulation and fertility. Additionally, while many women experience a decline in testosterone starting in their 30s, hormone therapy for women can be beneficial at various stages of life, particularly during menopause.
Women may have low testosterone levels for reasons beyond menopause, including stress, medical conditions, or the surgical removal of the ovaries. Low testosterone in women can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, sleep dysfunction, muscle and bone loss, depression, and cognitive changes—not just decreased libido. Testosterone is essential for a woman’s physical and mental health, and hormone therapy can improve these symptoms, enhancing quality of life.
Myth 4: Testosterone Therapy is Unsafe for Women
Safety concerns often stem from misunderstandings or misinformation. Research has demonstrated that testosterone therapy for women can be safe and effective, especially those with hormone deficiencies, such as during menopause. Like any medical treatment, hormone therapy for women requires careful monitoring. Regular blood tests ensure hormone levels are balanced, and dosages can be adjusted as needed, a standard part of the Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therpay (BHRT) process at Horizon Med Spa and Wellness.
Myth 5: Testosterone Therapy Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer
While hormones are involved in breast tissue development, the concern that testosterone therapy increases breast cancer risk is unfounded. Testosterone does not stimulate breast tissue growth in the same way that other hormones do. In fact, testosterone therapy for women may help lower the risk of breast cancer by stabilizing estrogen levels, which can reduce the stimulation of breast cells.
Myth 6: Natural Supplements are as Effective as Testosterone Therapy
The market is full of natural supplements claiming to boost hormone levels in women. However, their effectiveness and safety are often not backed by scientific studies. Unlike prescription testosterone therapy provided by a certified hormone specialist, the dosages and purity of these supplements are not regulated. This lack of oversight can lead to ineffective or inconsistent results and potential health risks when it comes to hormone therapy for women. Medically supervised testosterone therapy ensures both safety and effectiveness for women seeking hormone therapy during menopause.
The Reality of Hormone Therapy for Women
Testosterone therapy for women is becoming more widely accepted in the medical field for treating hormone imbalance during menopause. Research shows that it can significantly improve energy, mood, sexual function, and overall well-being. For women with diagnosed low testosterone levels, hormone therapy can be a life-changing menopause treatment option.
Key Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women Include:
Increased Energy and Stamina:
Many women doing hormone therapy report improved sleep quality, higher energy levels, and better physical endurance.
Mood Stabilization:
Testosterone therapy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a more balanced mood.
Muscle Mass and Bone Density:
Hormone therapy helps build and maintain muscle mass in women and improves bone density while reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Enhanced Libido:
Testosterone helps improve sexual desire and satisfaction in women.
Testosterone therapy for women can significantly improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of women with hormone deficiencies during menopause. It is important to dispel these myths and share accurate information to allow women to make informed decisions about their health.
How are hormones replaced in Women?
When it comes to hormone therapy for women, there are several effective methods available for safely restoring testosterone levels. Each approach is tailored to meet individual health needs and lifestyle preferences, ensuring optimal results and minimal side effects. Understanding the different delivery options for testosterone replacement therapy can help women make informed decisions about their hormones and overall well-being.
Pellet Therapy:
A small pellet, slightly larger than a grain of rice, is injected under the skin into the fatty layer. The procedure is quick and there is minimal discomfort. The benefit of Pellet Therapy is long lasting results with smooth, even delivery of the testosterone into the body that closely mimics how your body releases hormones if it was able to do it naturally. Pellets last 3-6 months and are typically a more cost effective form of hormone therapy for women, however small adjustments to the dose are difficult.
Injection:
Testosterone can be administered via intramuscular injection. This injection is given weekly and provides more room for small adjustments when attempting to find the optimal dose. Many women doing hormone therapy start with injectable testosterone and then transition to pellets once they establish the dose that makes them feel their best and there are no side effects. The downside is it requires either self injection or a weekly visit to the office to have it administered. There also may be more fluctuations in hormone levels rather then an even steady state offered by pellets.
Oral:
Testosterone can be given in a troche or rapid dissolvable tablet (RDT). Both are absorbed in the buccal mucosa of the mouth (not swallowed like a pill). A troche is meant to stay in the space between your cheek and gum for 30 minutes daily while a rapid dissolvable tablet is absorbed more quickly but is more costly. Both have reports of having an undesirable taste and it is more difficult to monitor efficacy. The benefit is it is easily administered at home or on the go and if you wish to stop therapy, it will be out of your system by the next day.
Topical:
Topical Testosterone comes in either a cream or gel. Its efficacy is similar to a troche or RDT, but without the taste. The cream or gel is administered daily on specific areas of the body. Its efficacy is difficult to monitor but can easily be stopped or adjusted. The other downside to creams and gels for hormone therapy is it may rub off on clothes, bedding, or a partner so it is difficult to know if the proper dose is being absorbed.
Start your Hormone Replacement Journey
The first step for starting your hormone therapy journey is making an appointment with a provider who specializes in Hormone Replacement Therapy. Once your labs are obtained, our providers will talk through your treatment options and which route of replacement will suite you best.
Kimberly Losik, a board certified nurse practitioner, is the Founder, Owner and Medical Director of Horizon Med Spa and Wellness. Kimberly has earned multiple degrees including a bachelors in Kinesiology, a bachelors in Nursing, as well as a Masters in Nursing. For over a decade, she has earned experience in Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Internal medicine, Medical weight loss, aesthetics and anti-aging medicine. Her passion to help patients look and feel like the best version of themselves was the foundation of Horizon, which began in early 2020. Since then, she has attended numerous trainings, conferences and seminars to continue to offer patients the best solutions and aesthetic and antiaging medicine. Additionally, she is a clinical trainer for the company Inmode, an internationally recognized leader in the aesthetic industry.
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