How Women Benefit from Taking Testosterone

During the early reproductive years, women produce 10 times more testosterone than estrogen. The two hormones physicians are most concerned about are estrogen and progesterone, but many experts in the field of aging and regenerative medicine believe it is the reduction in testosterone that causes many of the symptoms women experience as they enter midlife such as, low sex drive, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, weight gain, and cognitive issues.

Low testosterone can cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Poor sleep
• Decreased sex drive
• Weight gain
• Fertility issues
• Vaginal dryness
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Research shows that women who have low levels of testosterone benefit from testosterone therapy that gives them healthy levels of testosterone. The ovaries produce both estrogen and testosterone. As women enter menopause, or peri-menopause, the ovaries produce significantly less testosterone and estrogen. As a woman ages, she is at increased risk of suffering from testosterone deficiency. In addition to causing the symptoms listed above, low testosterone also increases a woman’s risk of developing heart disease.

Contrary to what some websites and healthcare professionals believe, at healthy levels, testosterone therapy in women does not cause excessive body hair, hair growth on the chin or upper lip, acne, enlarged clitoris, balding, increased muscle mass, decreased breast size or a deepening of the voice.  These can be a risk if testosterone levels are very high, but the experts at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic understand the importance of maintaining healthy levels of all hormones.

Benefits of testosterone therapy include:

1. Increases energy levels
2. Increases libido
3. Reduces the risk of breast cancer and reduced risk of recurrent breast cancer
4. Protects against heart disease
5. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
6. Reduces anxiety
7. Improves cognitive function including increased clarity and focus
8. Reduces depression
9. Reduces the risk of bone loss or osteoporosis
10. Increases weight loss
11. Improves lean muscle mass
12. Provides relief from symptoms of menopause
    1. Urinary incontinence
    2. Vaginal dryness
    3. Hot flashes

Considering the significant benefits testosterone therapy can provide women, it is amazing that so many physicians remain uninformed about testosterone therapy or in some cases choose to be anti-testosterone therapy. As early as 2013, researchers were able to refute the most common myths and misconceptions about testosterone therapy for women. In the article “Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions”, researchers provided evidence showing testosterone therapy;

1. Is not just a male hormone but is an important hormone for women as well.
2. Does not only play a role in libido and sex drive
3. Does not masculinize women
4. Does not cause hoarseness or deepening of the voice
5. Does not cause hair loss
6. Does not cause heart disease
7. Does not cause liver damage
8. Does not increase the risk of breast cancer. (In fact it has been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 60%)

At the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic we understand the importance of maintaining a health level of all critical female hormones including testosterone. Hormone fluctuations occur naturally as a part of puberty, perimenopause and menopause but genetics, environmental toxins, stress and nutrition can also impact hormone levels. Whatever the reason, and at whatever the age, establishing the correct hormone balance will allow you to maintain your optimal health and vitality.

Hormonal balance is vital to a healthy mind and body. After comprehensive testing, the anti-aging experts at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic will develop a customized treatment plan specific to your goals and needs. For women suffering from hormone imbalance, this plan will include bioidentical hormone replacement; these hormones match the natural hormones in your body. Bioidentical hormones are expertly compounded by a qualified pharmacy to meet your individual health care needs. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones match the hormones your body produces allowing them to be easily metabolized without negative side effects.

Don’t accept the signs and symptoms of low testosterone. Contact the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic today.

 

 

Resources:

1. Rebecca Glaser and Constantine Dimitrakakis, Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions. Maturitas. Vlm., 74 Issue 3, March 2013, pages 230-234.
2. Susan R. Davis, MBBS and Sarah Wahlin-Jacobsen MD. Testosterone in women-the clinical significance. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2015, Pages 980-992.