When women are considering bioidentical hormone repellent therapy (BHRT), they naturally think of estrogen – I mean, it’s THE female hormone, right? Well, not exactly…

Why do women take testosterone replacement?

In women after menopause, both estrogen and testosterone levels are much lower than “young normal” hormone levels, and both are important to maintaining health and vigor as women age. Estrogen replacement is important for reducing menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and vaginal and urinary symptoms such as dryness and bladder leakage. Estrogen also prevents osteoporosis. But testosterone replacement in women is extremely important as well. Some believe testosterone is even more important in women than estrogen, since testosterone reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Testosterone in women also improves muscle mass, bone density, and physical strength and stamina. Testosterone is also important in maintaining a healthy sex drive in women.

What if I can’t take estrogen?

There are also many women who avoid estrogen due to previous breast cancer. It’s important to know that testosterone replacement in women doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer – in fact, testosterone replacement in women may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer, and many other conditions. Women who don’t want to take estrogen should strongly consider testosterone replacement to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and to decrease fat around the middle and increase muscle mass.

What will testosterone do for a woman?

Testosterone isn’t a male hormone; the right amount of testosterone is just as important for women’s health as it is for men. In fact, women generally have MORE testosterone than estrogen. Studies of testosterone replacement in women show improvements in mood and anxiety, bone density, physical strength, and brain function – in some women, testosterone even improves menopausal hot flashes and vaginal complaints.

What are symptoms of low testosterone in women?

Low testosterone in women causes very similar symptoms as in men. Here’s a partial list:

Symptoms of low testosterone in women:

– Fatigue
– Low motivation
– Lack of concentration
– Muscle weakness
– Decrease in sexual desire or libido
– Decrease in sexual thoughts or fantasies
– Difficulty reaching orgasm
– Reduced vaginal lubrication

We’re here to help. Learn more and book your consultation with one of our female Physician Associates in Petoskey or Traverse City, MI or Naples, FL.