Menopause Hormone Therapy: Testosterone is Not Just for Men!
The Role of Testosterone in Menopause Hormone Therapy
Testosterone is often mistakenly regarded as exclusively a male hormone. But testosterone also plays a crucial role in women’s health throughout their lives, including during menopause. In women, testosterone contributes to maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function. It also plays a significant role in libido and sexual drive and enjoyment.
But during menopause, as ovarian function declines, testosterone levels can drop along with declining estrogen and progesterone levels. This decline can lead to symptoms such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, muscle weakness, sleep issues, mood changes, and more. So, managing testosterone levels, in conjunction with other hormones, can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to menopausal health.
As a renowned functional medicine doctor and hormone therapy specialist in Austin, TX, Dr. Ruthie Harper takes a whole-person, individualized approach to menopause hormone therapy – including the careful balancing of testosterone levels.
In this article, Dr. Ruthie educates patients on the importance of testosterone in women’s health – and how to manage it during menopause and beyond for optimal health and vitality at every age.
The Importance of Testosterone in Menopause Hormone Therapy
Testosterone is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol, just like other steroid hormones. It plays a critical role in many physiological processes and has its own specific set of receptors in the body. These hormones act by binding to receptors, similar to a key fitting into a lock. However, the receptor (“lock”) is not static – and it can change shape over time, affecting how well the hormone works.
Testosterone belongs to a group of hormones called androgens. Although androgens are traditionally associated with male characteristics, they also have significant effects on female physiology. These hormones are responsible for traits like facial hair, body hair, and the growth of pubic and underarm hair. In excess, they can cause acne and hair thinning, known as androgenic alopecia.
Additionally, testosterone is not only essential for its own effects but also serves as a precursor to estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen. In fact, all of the estradiol produced in the body comes from testosterone through a process facilitated by the enzyme aromatase. This conversion process is crucial to understand when considering hormone therapy during menopause.
Testosterone therapy for women requires careful consideration and monitoring, as balanced levels can improve mental, physical, and sexual health. However, excessive levels of testosterone can lead to unwanted side effects. Recognizing the importance of testosterone in women’s health and addressing its balance during menopause can contribute significantly to maintaining overall well-being and quality of life during this transitional period.
Sources of Testosterone & Its Role in Menopause
In women, testosterone comes from three main sources. About 25% of the testosterone in a woman’s body during reproductive years is produced directly by the ovaries. Another 25% is directly produced by the adrenal glands. The remaining 50% comes from the conversion of “precursor androgens”, primarily in fat tissue.
As women age and approach menopause, testosterone production naturally declines due to several factors. The adrenal glands, specifically the zona reticularis, shrink over time, leading to reduced androgen and testosterone production. Contrary to popular belief, the decline in testosterone is not directly related to the cessation of ovulation in menopause. However, it is not uncommon for testosterone levels to fall as levels of estrogen and progesterone levels fall in menopause due to ovarian aging.
Hormone Therapy & Testosterone Balance in Menopause
As a hormone therapy expert in Austin, TX, Dr. Ruthie Harper understands the importance of hormone balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause. During this time, some women may experience relative androgen excess because declining estrogen levels result in lower production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This can lead to more “free testosterone” becoming available, potentially causing symptoms of androgen excess.
As part of Dr. Ruthie’s holistic and comprehensive approach to hormone management during menopause, she measures free testosterone and SHBG levels, rather than solely relying on total testosterone levels. This approach provides a more accurate reflection of the amount of active testosterone in the body, which is crucial for effective hormone therapy during menopause.
Tailored Testosterone Therapy in Menopause
In her Austin, TX functional medicine practice, Dr. Ruthie takes a careful and individualized approach to testosterone therapy for menopausal women. While testosterone therapy can be beneficial for some women, it requires very precise and knowledgeable management. Dr. Harper customizes testosterone therapy for each women, tailoring it to the individual’s needs.
It is important to note that there are no commercial testosterone products specifically designed for women. Which is why many traditional doctors simply skip testosterone management altogether! Testosterone must be compounded at a pharmacy with precise dosing to avoid side effects.
Dr. Harper cautions against using testosterone products designed for men, as these can easily lead to overdosing in women. She also advises careful consideration of pellet therapy, which can result in unnaturally high levels of testosterone leading to long-term complications. Instead, Dr. Harper offers a carefully managed approach to testosterone therapy at her Austin, TX functional medicine practice, that takes into account each woman’s unique hormonal profile and symptoms.
The Impact of Testosterone on Quality of Life During Menopause
At her Austin, TX practice, Dr. Ruthie Harper educates her patients on the profound impact testosterone has on several key areas of health during menopause. She explains that testosterone helps maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also supports muscle growth and strength, which is essential for overall mobility and physical health as women age. Furthermore, testosterone has positive effects on brain function, including memory and focus, and plays a significant role in maintaining libido and sexual satisfaction.
So, as women get older and go through menopause, it’s important to carefully evaluate their specific testosterone levels – in order to consider hormone replacement if symptoms of deficiency are present. However, this must be done carefully and under the supervision of a knowledgeable hormone therapy specialist like Dr. Harper, who can provide ongoing monitoring of hormone levels and adjust therapy as needed.
Menopause Hormone Therapy | Austin, TX
At her practice in Austin, TX, Dr. Ruthie Harper is committed to helping women navigate the complex world of menopause and hormone therapy. She understands that testosterone is far more than just a “male hormone” – it is vital to women’s health, impacting everything from bone density to cognitive function during and after menopause.
Dr. Harper’s approach to menopause hormone therapy in Austin, TX, is rooted in a deep understanding of the role of hormones in women’s health. She believes that by understanding the role of all hormones in your body – including testosterone – you can make informed decisions about hormone health and partner with her for appropriate hormone testing, treatment, and monitoring.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause or have concerns about your hormone levels, don’t hesitate to seek expert care from Dr. Ruthie Harper and her team in Austin, TX. We are ready to provide you with personalized, comprehensive hormone therapy tailored to your unique needs. Whether through hormone therapy or other natural methods, maintaining balanced testosterone levels can contribute to improved quality of life and better health as you age.
Contact Dr. Harper’s office in Austin, TX today to schedule a consultation – and take the first step towards optimal health during menopause and beyond.
