Testosterone hormone therapy is beneficial for a wide variety of women’s needs, but there are a few myths surrounding the treatment. From the fear of growing a beard and becoming manlier to the risk of cancer, the misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy can keep women from living healthy and fulfilling life.
According to a medical review, testosterone is the most abundant biologically active female hormone and is essential for physical and mental health in women.
The production of the essential hormone begins a slow decline after age 20, and by the time women enter menopause, they may be producing less than half the amount of testosterone they once did.
The review refutes 9 common myths and misconceptions and provides evidence to support what is physiologically plausible and scientifically evident.
In this article, Testosterone is referring to bioidentical Testosterone hormone, not synthetic. This article will not be referencing injected or orally administered Testosterone. For bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), please visit our BHRT page.
Myth 1: Women Do Not Produce Testosterone
Testosterone is the most active sex steroid in women throughout their lifespans. During pregnancy Testosterone levels increase 2.5 to 4 times the non-pregnant range.
The confusion may stem from the fact that medical publications refer to Testosterone as the “male” hormone. That’s because Testosterone levels in men are significantly higher than in women. Testosterone performs a variety of functions within the female body.
Myth 2: Testosterone Therapy Is Not Safe
This is a myth that gained prominence through scandals associated with professional athletes and steroid doping practices in which Testosterone is ingested or injected. The testosterone utilized in hormone therapy is completely different than steroids. It is derived from botanical sources. The bioidentical testosterone used in replacement therapy is plant-based and contains no illegal substances or steroids.
The pellet method is the most popular and is a simple procedure with no downtime. You’ll simply need to wear a bandage for a few days to ensure the area remains clean and dry and avoid swimming during that period of time.
Implants to stabilize testosterone in women have been utilized safely since 1938.
Myth 3: Testosterone’s Only Role Is For Sex Drive & Libido
Testosterone plays a role in sex drive, but it’s not the hormone’s only function. It’s necessary for building and maintaining muscle mass.
Testosterone can help if you’re having difficulty losing or gaining weight, often feel tired after a full night’s sleep, or have low energy levels during the day.
If you don’t have appropriate testosterone levels, you may also experience cold hands and feet, have difficulty tolerating colder temperatures, and observe changes in your nails, skin, and hair. A low testosterone level can easily be mistaken for hypothyroidism, making it essential that you consult with a specialist knowledgeable about hormone therapy.
Myth 4: Testosterone Makes You More Masculine
Women receiving the therapy will retain their feminine shape and some women experience a reduction in body fat. You may notice an improvement in lean muscle mass, muscle strength, and faster recovery after a workout, but you won’t get big, bulky muscles.
The masculinity myth is a common misconception in part due to hormone therapy for transgender patients. The dose of testosterone administered to stabilize hormone levels is far different than that used for transitional therapy.
Myth 5: Testosterone Will Deepen Your Voice
Testosterone won’t result in hoarseness or changes in your voice, but insufficient levels of Testosterone can result in inflammation that may make your voice sound hoarse. The therapy doesn’t affect your vocal chords in any way and you won’t develop a baritone singing voice.
Myth 6: Testosterone Causes Unwanted Hair Growth Or Loss
Testosterone therapy won’t give you a beard and you won’t grow a pelt like a werewolf. If a woman is given more testosterone than needed they may develop increased body hair in certain areas of the body. It can increase hair growth on the scalp for a fuller, more luxurious mane of hair but it is not a treatment for women who are losing their hair. A certain amount of thinning and loss is common as you age, but testosterone therapy won’t make you lose your hair.
Hair loss is most often due to medical conditions such as diabetes or the natural aging process. Obesity, stress, alcohol use, and a wide variety of medications also contribute to a loss of locks, but hair loss is due to genetic makeup.
Myth 7: Testosterone Makes You Aggressive
If you’re receiving hormone therapy, it won’t make you aggressive, hostile, or violent. On the contrary, women with “low T” levels often experience feelings of anxiousness, irritability, or mood swings that can make them feel like they don’t know themselves anymore.
As testosterone levels become more balanced, tendencies toward aggression, irritability, and anxiety actually decrease. Your testosterone levels are carefully measured before any therapy begins and monitored throughout the entire course of treatment.
Myth 8: Testosterone Causes Heart Disease
The hormone does affect your heart and other organs – in a positive way. It may protect the heart by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. It may also reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance.
Myth 9: Testosterone Therapy Damages the Liver & Causes Blood Clots
Adverse effects of Testosterone on the liver or increase blood clotting factors are extremely rare, even when high oral doses of synthetic Testosterone are taken.
Subcutaneous implants (pellets) and topical administration (creams, patches) bypass the liver. Since the liver is not needed to metabolize testosterone in this form there is reduced risk of blood clot formation.
Physical Benefits of Testosterone for Women
Balancing and stabilizing your testosterone levels has distinct advantages:
- You’ll feel more energetic
- It can restore your sex drive
- Helps address vaginal dryness
- Reduces symptoms associated with PMS
- Reduces incontinence
Testosterone is particularly important if you are post-menopausal, have had a hysterectomy, or if one or both of your ovaries have been removed. Osteoarthritis and bone loss are very real concerns for women who have gone through menopause. The therapy is equally beneficial for relieving painful menstrual cycles and alleviating hot flashes.
Deficiencies in testosterone levels have a significant impact on mood and cognitive functions. Females with low testosterone levels may experience migraines, depression, and insomnia that exacerbate problems with mental clarity. Memory loss and difficulty concentrating are common with declining testosterone.
Are You A Candidate for Testosterone Therapy?
If you are experiencing any symptoms as described above, consult a medical professional experienced in hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone therapy replacement can be a safe and effective way to achieve a balance of testosterone within your body and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Improved Libido: Testosterone therapy can help increase sexual desire and improve sexual satisfaction.
- Enhanced Mood and Energy Levels: It can help alleviate symptoms of depression and fatigue, leading to improved overall mood and energy.
- Bone Density: Testosterone can help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Muscle Mass and Strength: It may help improve muscle mass and strength, contributing to better physical performance.
- Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest it may enhance cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration.
- Acne and Skin Reactions: Increased testosterone can lead to acne and oily skin.
- Hair Growth: Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face and body.
- Voice Changes: A deeper voice can occur, which may be irreversible.
- Mood Changes: Some women may experience increased aggression or mood swings.
- Liver Dysfunction: Oral testosterone can affect liver function.
- Cardiovascular Risks: There might be an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Changes in Cholesterol Levels: It can lead to unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels.
- Medical History: Discuss any personal or family history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver issues with your doctor.
- Current Medications: Some medications can interact with testosterone therapy.
- Symptoms and Diagnosis: Ensure that testosterone deficiency is accurately diagnosed and that symptoms warrant treatment.
- Alternative Treatments: Consider and discuss alternative treatments and lifestyle changes that might address symptoms.
- Long-Term Commitment: Understand that testosterone therapy may be a long-term treatment and discuss the implications with your healthcare provider.
- Topical Gels or Creams: Applied daily to the skin, ensuring consistent absorption.
- Patches: Applied to the skin and replaced according to a specific schedule (usually daily or every few days).
- Injections: Administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, typically every few weeks.
- Pellets: Implanted under the skin, releasing testosterone slowly over a period of months.
- Oral Tablets: Less commonly used due to potential liver side effects.