Hormone imbalances in women don’t just include a decline in estrogen. It can also involve a change in the levels of testosterone. This is not always commonly known. This week we will explore just some of the myths surrounding testosterone and testosterone therapy in women.
- Testosterone is for men only: Men naturally have more testosterone than women, but this doesn’t mean that women don’t have any or don’t need any testosterone. They just need it in smaller quantities. They help regulate mood, sleep patterns, as well as libido, just as they do in men. Testosterone is also important for bone health and maintaining cognitive function.
- Testosterone therapy makes you more masculine: If you have abnormally low levels of testosterone, raising them to the normal level that women should have will not give women masculine features such as a lower voice or more facial hair.
- Testosterone can cause heart problems: Previous studies concluded that testosterone therapy in men could increase the risk of heart attacks. However, subsequent studies found that there was actually no risk, or even a decreased risk. Restoring your testosterone levels poses no risk to your heart health.
- Testosterone causes blood clots and liver problems: Testosterone does not pose any threat to your level if administered in a non-oral manner, because other methods of administering testosterone, such as injections do not pass through the liver.
- Testosterone makes you more aggressive: Testosterone has not been found to cause rage. Indeed, given that testosterone contributes to the regulation of mood, a restoration of hormone levels in women can likely improve one’s mood and reduce anxiety and irritability.
To learn more about hormone therapy and whether you might be a good fit for testosterone therapy, contact us at Southern Urogynecology for a consultation.
