TRT for Women

Testosterone may be the male “sex” hormone, yet its role in the female body is critical to understand. Although often viewed as a “newcomer” to female hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the use of testosterone replacement therapy for women has been around since the 1930s. That is also why it is surprising that more than eighty years later, it is still not an FDA-approved form of HRT for women – although it is provided as a viable off-label treatment. As we will show in this report, there are many benefits of testosterone and relatively few risks or side effects. We will also discuss the various types of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) available to women, how to know if you might benefit from TRT, and how to go about getting this treatment.

One essential aspect to report is the benefit of testosterone replacement therapy for female sexual health and pleasure. We will delve into that subject, as well as how declining testosterone levels affect women as they age.

The Role of Testosterone in a Female’s Body

Testosterone is an androgen hormone. It binds with androgen receptors (AR) on tissues throughout the body to perform a vast array of actions. AR can be found in regions of the brain that support learning, memory, focus, and mood. That is also one of the reasons why testosterone replacement therapy for women may be beneficial for people dealing with depression and anxiety.

TRT is a complex therapy that works to increase testosterone levels while balancing other hormones, such as estrogen and growth hormone (GH). An interesting fact is that while the human body, male and female alike, undergoes a gradual decline in testosterone and GH production beginning in one’s twenties, these two hormones have much in common. They regulate or support many of the same functions, including:

• Metabolism
• Blood cell production
• Insulin sensitivity
• Glucose uptake
• Energy
• LDL cholesterol levels
• Maintaining muscle mass and bone density
• Brain functions
• Emotional well-being and mood
• Heart health
• Supporting a healthy sex drive and functions
• Female and male fertility

Additionally, both testosterone and growth hormone help to support each other’s production. As these hormone levels decline, the body often compensates by increasing cortisol secretion. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, which it secretes in times of acute stress. However, its levels also increase if GH and testosterone get too low. Since cortisol tends to interfere with sleep, it further reduces the amount of growth hormone and testosterone that enters the bloodstream. The body and brain remain in a state of constant alert due to the higher cortisol levels. That results in less sleep and an increased need to eat (due to higher levels of ghrelin the hunger hormone entering the bloodstream) for energy.

It is easy to see how testosterone replacement therapy for women can help when the body no longer produces enough of the hormone for its needs.

Aging Women and the Effects of Testosterone

As a woman ages and enters menopause, her body undergoes many changes. While no longer having a monthly period is something numerous females look forward to, hot flashes, weight gain, brain fog, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, and other symptoms of menopause are not a pleasant concept. Problems such as forgetfulness and joint pains can lead to issues such as dementia and osteoporosis – two significant concerns many women have as they age.

The fact is this – testosterone is crucial for the female body at any age. Many women tend to put on a few extra pounds when they reach menopause. As this occurs, it brings an increase in the production of the enzyme aromatase, which is produced by fat cells. Aromatase has one significant function – converting free testosterone into estradiol. As the leading form of estrogen in the body, this conversion process is vital to ensure that a woman has enough estrogen. However, when an increase in fat causes too much testosterone conversion, estrogen levels climb and testosterone levels decline, leading to a condition called “estrogen dominance,” which further increases weight gain, low testosterone, and breast cancer risk.

When prescribing testosterone replacement therapy for women, hormone specialists measure and keep a close watch on estrogen levels, as well. To avoid estrogen dominance or the conversion process (for those women with breast cancer concerns), the doctor may prescribe an aromatase blocker.

Options for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in Women

Female needs for TRT are very different from those of males, who require significantly higher levels of testosterone. The most common form of male testosterone therapy is testosterone cypionate injections. We are often asked, “how much testosterone should a woman inject” by females who see the benefits of that treatment on their partners. The answer is none – injectable testosterone has only two uses for females – the treatment of certain types of breast cancer or for transgender hormone therapy. The dosage is too high for women in need of menopausal HRT.

So, what is the best option for testosterone replacement therapy for women?

Our doctors typically prescribe testosterone cream prepared by a compounding pharmacy to the precise needs of each woman. It is also possible to combine with estrogen in this form. Transdermal testosterone has been shown to have the fewest risk factors of all types of TRT for women.

We do not recommend any oral TRT as that would enter the liver and cause potential problems. Testosterone gels and patches are often too high of a dosage for many women. Always discuss the pros and cons of TRT with a hormone specialist.

Some women may also benefit from a form of intravaginal testosterone if they have vaginal issues or atrophy and cannot use estrogen therapy.

Probable Negative Effects of TRT in Women

Although over eighty years of use back up the safety record of testosterone replacement therapy for women, there is always a potential for side effects, just as there are with any prescription or over-the-counter medication.

There are no probable adverse effects – the risk of side effects is negligible. However, certain negative reactions could occur if testosterone levels get too high, including:

• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Weight gain or loss
• Deepening of the voice
• Enlarged clitoris
• Breast shrinkage
• Headaches
• Increased anxiety or stress
• Depression
• Aggressive behavior
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Male pattern balding
• Abnormal hair growth on the body and face
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Signs That TRT Is Needed

The body lets us know if a hormonal imbalance is present. Although every person experiences a decline in testosterone production, most people adjust well to these changes. However, for those whose reduction happens faster than the body can adapt, symptoms of Low T may include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Joint pains or stiffness
• Height shrinkage
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful or unpleasant intercourse
• Reduced sexual pleasure or orgasm intensity
• Fatigue, sluggishness, and lack of endurance
• Infertility
• Insomnia or other sleep issues
• Decreased drive and motivation
• Brain fog, poor attention, memory loss or forgetfulness, slower cognitive processing
• Depression, increased stress, anxiety, or irritability
• Muscle loss and weakness
• Weight gain
• Anemia
• Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels
• High blood pressure and LDL and total cholesterol
• Thinning hair or balding
• Abnormal hair growth

Women who have received a diagnosis or warning for any of the following conditions should also have their testosterone levels checked:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Atherosclerosis
• Osteopenia or osteoporosis
• Dementia
• Obesity
• Anemia
• Metabolic syndrome

The more of these signs that are present, the greater the likelihood that a female could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy for women.

Positive Impact of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Females

Testosterone replacement therapy for women can have significant benefits in many areas, including weight loss, better sex, improved brain functions (neuroprotective actions and verbal memory enhancement), and stronger bones and muscles. For those dealing with infertility, testosterone therapy can improve follicular sensitivity and increase the odds of conception.

TRT can help a woman sleep better, perform with more energy and focus during the day, and face the world with a happier mood. Increasing drive and productivity while improving emotional well-being and focus can lead to a better quality of life.

Supplemental testosterone has proven beneficial for improving endothelial function, vasomotor tone, peripheral vascular resistance, and overall arterial function in women. These benefits are crucial because cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality for some females. Another significant advantage of TRT is reducing inflammation in the body and the brain.

The more of these signs that are present, the greater the likelihood that a female could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy for women.

More Details of TRT

In this section, we look at other details regarding testosterone replacement therapy for women:

• Legality

When prescribed for off-label use for women, testosterone therapy is legal to purchase. A woman must receive a prescription from her doctor to buy and use TRT.

• Safety

Over eighty years of use back up the safety of testosterone replacement therapy for females.

• Prescription

To receive a testosterone prescription, a woman will undergo a medical consultation, physical examination, comprehensive blood analysis, and fill out a health history questionnaire. Only with a diagnosis of Low T can a woman receive a testosterone prescription.

• Effectiveness

Testosterone treatment is extremely effective at reducing and reversing the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in women.

• Cost

The overall cost of TRT is affordable for most women – often less than $100 per month.

Reviews of Our Female Patients on TRT Process, Results, and Conclusions

Here are some of the comments of our patients who have been using testosterone replacement therapy for women:

For more information about testosterone or any other type of hormone therapy, please contact us for a free phone consultation.