Testosterone is Necessary for the Female Body
Testosterone is the most well-known male sex hormone (androgen). And most people realize that low testosterone (commonly called “Low T”) can affect a man’s sexual drive and performance, as well as cause hair loss, and lead to decreased muscle mass and an increase in body fat in a man’s body.
But most people don’t realize that women need testosterone as well. And when a woman’s testosterone levels are out of balance she can also suffer from a wide variety of unpleasant symptoms, as well as be at risk for serious diseases and long-term health risks.
Why Women Need Testosterone
Low levels of male hormones can account for decreased muscularity, a decline in sexual interest, and loss of bone density in females, especially menopausal women. Insufficient testosterone can also cause skin that was once youthful, plump and elastic to become thin, lax, dry, and wrinkled.
However, replacing or re-balancing low testosterone in both men and women can improve a vitality and energy, reinvigorate sexual desire, and help replace rolls of flabby fat with stronger, more defined muscles.
Balancing testosterone can also help to ward off more serious medical issues related to “Low T” in women such as strokes, diabetes, heart attack, and osteoporosis (weak bones).
The hormone replacement specialists at SottoPelle in the greater Phoenix area concur with John E. Morley, MD, professor of geriatrics at St. Louis University Medical School who told WebMD “Testosterone replacement may be a good addition for women with low libido when they pass menopause.”
Testosterone & The Female Body
Many women are surprised to learn that the ovaries produce both testosterone and estrogen. The adrenal glands in women also release relatively small quantities of testosterone into the bloodstream.
But, since the female body only requires very small amounts of testosterone to function properly, replacing it can be a delicate matter requiring precision dosing and delivery.
This is because if a woman has too much testosterone, she may have irregular or absent menstrual periods, and develop excess body hair in unwanted places. Some women with too high testosterone may also develop frontal balding, acne, an enlarged clitoris, and even deepening of their voice.
High levels of testosterone can also cause infertility and are commonly associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Excessive levels of testosterone in women can also lead to Insulin resistance, carbohydrate intolerance causing gaining weight, high blood pressure, low levels of HDL (”good”) cholesterol and high levels of LDL (”bad’) cholesterol. And, the presence of these risk factors also increases their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, testosterone replacement is not advised for women with a higher risk breast or uterine cancer.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone in Women
If a woman suspects that low testosterone (or another hormone imbalance) is responsible for symptoms she is experiencing it is important that she see a doctor who is a specialist in hormone balancing. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and inquire about the patient’s symptoms. If low testosterone (or any other hormone deficiency) is suspected, comprehensive blood testing will be ordered next.
The hormone replacement experts at SottoPelle® in Phoenix, AZ (and SottoPelle® providers in other states) will conduct comprehensive blood testing to measure all hormone levels – including testosterone – to determine if a hormone imbalance is the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Treating Low Testosterone in Women
The customized SottoPelle hormone replacement method is not a “one-size-fits all” solution – but rather a method of prescribing and delivering personalized dosages of replacement hormones based on each patient’s unique hormone imbalances and deficiencies.
Additionally, the SottoPelle hormone replacement method utilizes “bioidentical” hormones, that exactly replicate the molecular structure of the hormones produced by a woman’s body. So, they are not only more effective, but also much safer and free of many of the side effects of synthetic hormones.
Finally, the pellet delivery system used by the SottoPelle Method ensures that missing testosterone and other hormones are delivered uniformly and consistently. This avoids the “roller coaster” effect of hormone shots and pills, and ensures that there are no hormone surges that can cause unpleasant side effects.
Testosterone Replacement for Women | Phoenix, AZ
Many women can benefit from taking testosterone replacement therapy, provided that the doses are custom tailored to her body’s unique needs. Testosterone replacement may, in some case, not only help to enhance libido, but may also provide benefits in terms of muscle strength, bone density, and mood stabilization.
While hormone replacement therapy is not a “cure” for every disease, there are very real, clinically proven benefits to restoring female hormone balance that extend far beyond relieving the symptoms of menopause.
If you are interested in learning whether you may be suffering from low testosterone, or another hormone imbalance, consult with your physician – or schedule an appointment with the providers at SottoPelle in the Phoenix, AZ area today. If you live outside of the greater Phoenix area, you can also find a physician in your area who is highly trained in hormone replacement using our Physician Finder HERE.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy | Phoenix: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.
