Testosterone for women

Testosterone is a crucial sex hormone that tends to drop as we age, and replacing can make a significant impact on a lot of lives.

Like the rest of the bioidential hormones, testosterone has gained a lot of traction in the last few years, after decades of fighting the stigma that came with it, it is finally making its way into the lives of men and women who need it, leading to an easier path to optimize their health and wellness.

What causes Testosterone to drop?

Like in men, testosterone tends to drop as the woman advances in age. The age it self is not the sole reason, many factors have been identified as potential causes for testosterone decline. As the woman gets closer to menopause, there will be a significant decline in ovarian production of androgenic sex hormones. Chronic illnesses, and ongoing inflammation, can lead to premature drop in testosterone levels, in addition to that certain micronutrient deficiencies can lead to testosterone depletion. In today’s world, over use of certain medications, stress, and poor sleep are major contributors to major declines in testosterone levels.

When should a woman start taking Testosterone?

There is no set age. There are women who would need to start it in their 30s, and some will not need it until well into their 50s or even older and some women may not need it at all. Addressing the underlying cause is always essential.

What are the benefits of optimizing Testosterone?

Testosterone is a key contributor to musculoskeletal health, bone remodeling, and maintenance of muscle mass and even cognitive function. It also supports cardiovascular health and provides protection to the nervous system. Major evidence suggests positive  effects on mood and energy. Beyond all that, it is a major player in sexual desire, drive and function.

In recent decades, the incidence of insulin resistance has risen, affecting nearly every aspect of bodily functions and necessitating multiple interventions. Testosterone replacement therapy, has shown to be one of the major players in combating and reversing Insulin resistance.

What are the side effects of testosterone in women?

Excess hair growth in unwanted areas like the face, and acne breakouts have been described as the most common side effects. Less common side effects are water retention, and rarely issues like clitoromegally.

To a much lesser extent in rare occasions, especially in women who have clotting tendencies, their could be a small chance of increase blot clot formation, especially in the first 6 months

What are the forms of Testosterone therapy in women?

Most common ways of replacing testosterone in women are creams or pellets. Each have their pros and cons. Other non traditional ways are emerging that require more studies, are injections and pills.

Creams are the most reliable, they are given daily, and being in that form makes it easier for dose adjustments.

Pellets are convenient but since they are implanted, the dose can not be adjusted for 3-4 months, which can lead to the patient to either suffer through side effects or not get the benefit until the pellet expires.

Injections are done on weekly, twice a week or three times a week basis. Injections are not bioidential. This method can have a robust, and quick increase in testosterone levels which can raise issues and side effects more often that the other forms.

Oral testosterone is emerging now, it is convenient but not as effective to raise the levels.

Final word

Testosterone was dogmatized for the longest time, with the medical community blaming it for a lot of adverse events, but recent studies debunked that, proving the major health benefits, and the lack of any meaningful data to back the claims of significant negative impacts. The growth of bioidential hormonal therapy industry, made testosterone more available, positively impacting the woman’s life, at times, leading to huge transformations.