Hormone replacement therapy can mean many things. Depending on the stage of a woman's life, symptoms and health history, a carefully designed HRT plan can mean the difference between suffering and thriving. And while many women are familiar with estrogen and progesterone, over 80 years of research has proven that testosterone is a critical hormone for women that can significantly improve quality of life while maintaining a strong safety profile. A recent guide published by the British Journal of General Practice stated clearly,
"The most commonly described symptoms of androgen insufficiency include dysphoric mood, unexplained fatigue, change in sexual function including reduced libido, changes in cognition, vasomotor symptoms, bone loss, and decreased muscle strength"
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms while entering peri-menopause or menopause, take a look at the 6 incredible benefits of testosterone therapy that our patients are raving about:
1. Energy & mental clarity
Unexplained fatigue is a common symptom of low testosterone. Research supports that testosterone therapy improves a women's overall energy levels as well as boosting mental energy and clarity.Â
2. Emotional well-being
Testosterone can have a positive impact on mood and mental health for some women, potentially reducing symptoms of depression or anxiety while improving confidence.
3. Sexual function
Testosterone therapy may improve sexual function in some women by increasing libido and reducing sexual discomfort. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing sexual side effects due to breast cancer treatments.
4. Muscle mass and bone health
Testosterone can contribute to the maintenance of muscle mass and bone density. A 2022 study found positive correlations between women's testosterone levels and lumbar bone density.Â
5. Breast cancer prevention
Emerging evidence suggests that testosterone therapy in women (Glaser, et. al.) may prevent and even reduce recurrence rates among breast cancer survivors. One study showed greater efficacy in this regard than the standard of care - estrogen blocking drugs like Tamoxifen. Another 9-year retrospective study concluded that Testosterone Therapy demonstrated a 35.5% reduction in invasive breast cancer in both testosterone and testosterone/estrogen hormone pellet implant users compared to age-matched non-treated women.
6. Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Research continues to point toward testosterone as a protective against cardiovascular disease. A study at Monash University found that women over 70 with low levels of testosterone doubled the risk of a cardiovascular event.Â
Testosterone therapy in women with a history of breast cancer is still a subject of ongoing research and debate. The decision to pursue testosterone therapy should be made on an individual basis, in consultation with your HRT-informed medical provider. Reach out to schedule with one of our three experienced hormone-informed providers by emailing info@bioloungepdx.com.