Misconceptions About Testosterone for Women
Misconceptions About Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Women
Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about testosterone therapy for women. All the misinformation out there has made a lot of women afraid of starting testosterone replacement therapy, even if their blood tests show they have deficient testosterone levels. Here are some of the myths and facts you should know about testosterone for women:
Myth: There’s No Research on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for Women
Many people believe that no one has really studied testosterone replacement therapy for women. While it’s true that there’s less research into testosterone for women than for men, there are still a lot of really good scientific studies out there, with more being conducted to date. That’s how we know which symptoms TRT can relieve in women. Therefore, there is good quality research into testosterone for women, and we’ll only keep learning more as more researchers focus on this treatment option.
Myth: Testosterone Only Helps with Low Libido in Women
Another common misconception is that testosterone replacement therapy is only helpful for women suffering from low sex drive. While it’s true that testosterone has been shown to have a positive effect on low libido in women, the benefits don’t stop there. Many studies have found other improvements in symptoms like those we detailed above. Remember, there are testosterone receptors throughout the body, and this hormone affects practically every tissue. There is a reason that our bodies produce it, and it’s not just for a healthy sex life. It can help with many parts of our health and overall well-being.
Myth: Testosterone in Any Dose will Cause Masculinization
Many women are afraid of starting hormone replacement therapy with testosterone because they’re scared of masculinization with things like facial hair, deepening voices, and other side effects. This can happen if a female is given to high of a dose of testosterone. However, when properly managed, an optimal testosterone dose, depending on a woman's age and current levels, generally doesn’t cause these side effects. Remember that our bodies actually convert a lot of testosterone to estrogen and that we need a certain amount of testosterone in the body. We will work with you to find the right dose for you so you don’t need to worry about masculinizing side effects.
To get started, schedule a free appointment today. During this appointment, we will review your current health issues and goals and determine the best next step for you on your health Journey. Most of our patients decide to move forward with our diagnostic appointment, where we measure their hormone levels to determine if they have low testosterone and are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
Corbett APRN, CNM, MSCP, NAMS Certified Provider