The Surprising Benefits of Testosterone Therapy in Menopause
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Let's talk about menopause and testosterone.
It goes without saying that menopause is a big change for women's bodies and minds. You might already know about some common signs of menopause. These include:
Hot flashes
Mood swings
Night sweats
Insomnia
And of course, no more periods
But there are other things that happen during menopause that most people don't always focus on. One that comes to mind is low sex drive. And the cause could be due to the drop in testosterone. Yup, women make testosterone too. It's not just for guys and it's really important.
During menopause, our bodies make less testosterone. Women with low testosterone can experience:
Low sexual desire
Feeling tired a lot
Losing muscle mass
As we get older, levels of testosterone drop in both men and women. If you've seen the Low T commercials, you already know that men are getting testosterone treatment. But what about the women in perimenopause and menopause? That's what I am here to discuss.
What is Testosterone Therapy, and Why Should You Care?
I know, it sounds weird, right? But testosterone replacement is actually becoming a big deal for menopausal women.
Now, you might think testosterone is just about increase sex drive. And yeah, it does that. But it does way more! Testosterone is an androgen hormone that is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and peripheral tissues in women. In men, the testicles are the main producers of testosterone. Here is a fun fact: women produce more testosterone than estrogen. About 4 times as much testosterone as estrogen. So, testosterone is an important hormone in both men and women!
For women, the effects of testosterone is as follows:
Having more energy
Feeling happier
Thinking clearly
Keeping bones strong
Of course, these effects assumes normal levels of testosterone. If your testosterone levels are low and your symptoms are related to that deficiency, there is a chance that correcting it can improve your symptoms. Unfortunately, most people, even some doctors, only think about replacing estrogen during menopause. As you can see, testosterone is just as important for keeping women healthy.
So, if you know someone going through menopause, maybe tell them about this. It may really help them feel better!
Benefits of Testosterone Treatment For Menopause Hormone Therapy:
It’s easy to see why testosterone therapy might catch your interest. The benefits of testosterone for women in menopause are not only surprising—they’re profound. One of the first things women report after starting testosterone therapy is an improvement in their sex drive. Yes, that’s a biggie. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), characterized by a diminished interest in sex, is common in postmenopausal women. Testosterone therapy has been shown to effectively treat HSDD, restoring desire and improving sexual satisfaction.
The connection between testosterone and sexual health is well-documented. Women who’ve experienced surgical menopause, for example, often report more severe sexual issues due to the abrupt drop in testosterone levels. These women, along with those going through natural menopause, have seen significant improvements in sexual activity and enjoyment after starting testosterone therapy.
But the benefits don’t stop at the bedroom. As I mentioned before, testosterone can also help boost your energy levels, which is something a lot of women find dwindles during menopause. Feeling constantly fatigued? You’re not alone. Many women notice an increase in overall vitality once their testosterone levels are brought up to a functional range.
Additionally, testosterone therapy can improve muscle mass and bone health. As you age, especially after menopause, muscle mass naturally declines, and the risk of osteoporosis increases. Testosterone helps in maintaining muscle strength and bone density, offering women an extra layer of protection against the physical decline often associated with getting older.
The Mental Health Benefits of Testosterone Treatment
Beyond the physical, there’s also the mental side of things. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause are notorious for causing mood swings, irritability, depression and even brain fog. What many people don’t know is that low testosterone could be contributing to these mood disturbances. Testosterone plays a role in stabilizing mood and improving cognitive function. Women who’ve undergone testosterone therapy often report better focus, sharper memory, and a more balanced mood.
And it’s not just anecdotal evidence. Studies have shown that women on testosterone therapy experience notable improvements in their emotional well-being and cognitive performance. Feeling a little more like yourself again doesn’t seem so far-fetched with these findings.
The Ideal Testosterone Dose For Menopause Symptoms?
One thing that’s important to keep in mind is that testosterone therapy for women is not the same as it is for men. Women need much smaller doses. You’re not going to be handed a hefty prescription of testosterone like a man dealing with low T. Most women start with a dose of 1 mg of testosterone daily, often administered via a gel or cream. Usually, the prescription has to be compounded to a lower dose for women because standard testosterone gel formulations are made for men.
The right dose will depend on individual factors like your age, weight, symptoms, laboratory results, and how your body is reacting to the treatment. That’s why it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who understands how to prescribe testosterone for women. Finding the right balance takes some monitoring—both of how you feel and of your hormone levels—but the results are often well worth the effort.
Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy in Women?
You might be wondering, “Are there any side effects?” It’s a fair question, and the short answer is yes—but they’re usually mild. The most commonly reported side effects include acne and increased hair growth, particularly at the site of application. However, if testosterone levels are kept within the normal female range, these effects are generally manageable. Serious side effects like voice deepening and facial hair growth are rare when doses are appropriately monitored.
That said, there’s still some debate about the long-term safety of testosterone therapy in women, particularly beyond two years of use. The good news is that current evidence suggests that transdermal testosterone (like gels or creams) does not increase the risk of cardiovascular issues or breast cancer in the short term. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss these potential risks with your doctor to make an informed decision.
Testosterone vs. Estrogen: Why Not Both?
You might be wondering, "Why don’t we just stick with estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?" While estrogen replacement is fantastic for treating symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, it doesn’t do much for your libido or muscle mass.
Testosterone, on the other hand, fills in those gaps in women who are deficient. In fact, many women find the best results when they combine testosterone and estrogen therapy.
It’s not an either-or situation. When used together, these hormones can work synergistically to give you a more complete, holistic approach to managing menopause. The trick is finding the right balance under the guidance of a knowledgeable doctor.
Getting Started: Is Testosterone Therapy Right for You?
If you’re curious about using testosterone therapy, the best place to start is with a conversation with us at 918-518-1636. We are conveniently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and with telehealth access in Texas, South Carolina, Florida and of course Oklahoma. Not every woman will be an ideal candidate. A complete evaluation of your symptoms, medical history and laboratory testing is key to determine if testosterone supplementation is right for you. Not every doctor is well-versed in prescribing testosterone for women, so it’s important to find someone who can guide you through the process safely.
Uloko, M., Rahman, F., Puri, L. I., & Rubin, R. S. (2022). The clinical management of testosterone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a review. IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal, 34, 635–641. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-022-00613-0
Johansen, N., Hirschberg, A. L., & Moen, M. H. (2020). The role of testosterone in menopausal hormone treatment: What is the evidence? Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.13819
Scott, A., & Newson, L. (2020). British Journal of General Practice, 70, 203–204. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp20X709265
About the author:
Dr. Harold Pierre is a board-certified anesthesiologist and addiction medicine specialist with over 25 years of experience. He is board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition before making any changes.
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