When most people think of testosterone (T), they think of it being a hormone that is only important in men, but it is actually very important in the health and well being of women, as well. In fact, T is the most abundant active hormone in women and is essential for physical and mental health. Contrary to popular belief, T will not make you look like a man! It also does not cause hoarseness, does not increase your risk of blood clotting, and does not increase aggression.

T does, however, increase scalp hair growth, protect your heart, stabilize your mood, and is actually breast protective.

Testosterone therapy is being used more and more to treat symptoms of hormone deficiency in women before and after menopause. This, of course, refers only to bio-identical testosterone. It does not refer to oral, synthetic androgens, or anabolic steroids.

Both men and women can, and do, experience symptoms of androgen, or testosterone, deficiency. Some of these symptoms are anxiety, irritability, depression, lack of well being, physical fatigue, bone loss, muscle loss, memory loss, insomnia, hot flashes, joint pain, breast pain, urinary complaints, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. To assume that T deficiencies don’t occur in women is unscientific!

In conclusion, having adequate T is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health in BOTH males and females. Abandoning the thought that T is a male hormone, and instead accepting that is a HUMAN hormone will enable providers to offer evidence based recommendations and treatment to patients of both sexes.

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