When people think of hormone therapy for women, estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that typically come to mind.
But there’s more to hormone therapy for women than estrogen and progesterone. There are other hormones that can and should be balanced to optimal levels.
A hormone that often gets missed in HRT for women is testosterone…mainly because it’s thought of as being a “male” hormone.
Why Women Need Testosterone
Testosterone is indeed the dominant hormone for men. In men, testosterone is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics like body hair and a deeper voice. It also contributes to the development of muscle and bone mass and is the driving force behind libido.
But women need testosterone too, albeit a fraction of what men need.
Men produce most of their testosterone in their testes, with a small amount being converted to estrogen. Women, on the other hand, produce testosterone primarily in their ovaries, with a larger amount being converted to estrogen. Both sexes produce a small amount of testosterone in the adrenal glands.
While women may not need as much testosterone as men, that doesn’t diminish its importance for their health.
That small amount of testosterone contributes to the following in women:
- Bone growth and maintenance
- Development of muscle mass
- Faster metabolism
- Cardiovascular health
- Sex drive
Why Some Women Have Low Testosterone
Every woman going through perimenopause will experience the effects of diminished progesterone production. And every woman who has gone through menopause knows the effects of diminished estrogen production.
But testosterone production also declines with age, and low testosterone contributes to many of the symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause, including:
- Loss of bone density
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Weight gain
- Low sex drive
- Mood instability
Testosterone Replacement for Women
Fortunately, women can put back into their bodies what their bodies no longer produce on their own via hormone replacement therapy. Beyond that, it’s important that testosterone be delivered in the correct amounts, and in a manner that is precise and consistent.
Most women can absorb testosterone in sufficient amounts through their skin by way of a custom-formulated transdermal cream. Some women do better with injections. Either approach is safe and effective, so long as dosing is tailored to each woman’s unique needs.
Renew Youth uses a combination of lab testing and monitoring symptoms to determine ideal dosing for each woman. The right amount of testosterone will provide good symptom relief, without causing side effects.
If you think you may have low testosterone, Renew Youth is here to help. Call us today at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form to sign up for your free 30-minute consultation.