Why Women Need Testosterone

Historically, testosterone has been regarded as an essential aspect of men’s health. Numerous studies have confirmed the value of testosterone for men of all ages, aiding in muscle retention and anti-aging effects. Conversely, low testosterone has been linked to potentially serious conditions including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart attack. Through various studies, the medical field has begun to recognize the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for men. But what about their female counterparts?

The complementary effects of testosterone for women have largely been ignored. We could chalk this up to that old saying “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Well, doctors didn’t know that low testosterone in women could lead to suppressed libido, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression, and more. Science has known for some time that the female body produces testosterone (and that the male body produces estrogen). Perhaps it was the data that showed women produce only about one-tenth the amount of the average man that stunted our forward progress in the use of testosterone to support women’s health and wellness.

Historically, women experiencing menopausal symptoms either naturally or induced by surgery such as hysterectomy have been supplemented with estrogen and progestin; the usual female hormones. More recent studies on hormones and their ultimate effects on men and women have demonstrated a few critical findings:

• Women with low testosterone levels may experience more fatigue, less sex drive, and diminished motivation.
• Testosterone serves a vital role in a woman’s general fitness. This is because testosterone supports muscle mass.
• In one study, women given testosterone supplementation lost double the weight of women taking a placebo. Additionally, women in the supplementation group gained more than 5 pounds of lean muscle in a nine-month period.
• Studies have indicated that post-menopausal women and women who have had a hysterectomy have a substantially higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Historically, these women have been treated with estrogen replacement therapy only. Studies on the cardioprotective aspects of testosterone complement suggest that the risk of heart disease can be diminished with appropriate testosterone therapy.

Dr. Brandy has had a very personal experience with the effects of low testosterone and hormone imbalance. It was through his own journey that our hormone therapy program originated. For the past several years, our experienced staff has helped men and women manage the hormonal aspects of aging with customized, bio-identical protocols.

Learn more about the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The Skin Center has offices in Columbus, OH, and in Wexford, Pittsburg, Sewickley, PA. Contact an office near you to schedule your consultation.