Tired? Hair Loss? Weight Gain? Testosterone May be the Problem. HRT Can Help!
Most people think of testosterone as a male hormone. But women need testosterone, too! Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a role in the development of ‘secondary sexual characteristics’ in women, such as increased muscle mass and strength, and also helps regulate bone density, sex drive, and mood.
And while the levels of testosterone in women are typically much lower than those in men, it is important for them to be within the normal range for optimal health. Abnormally high levels of testosterone in women can lead to a condition called hyperandrogenism, which can cause symptoms such as acne, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles. And low testosterone levels in women can cause many symptoms and side effects as well, including loss of energy, decreasing muscle mass, weight gain, and even heart disease.
Fortunately, 100% natural, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) – available at our Austin, TX office – can help restore and balance health estrogen and testosterone levels in women and alleviate many f the symptoms and dangerous side effects of hormone imbalance.
Testosterone Decline in Women
Testosterone levels in women decline gradually over time, starting in the mid-20s. The decline becomes more pronounced as a woman approaches menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. After menopause, the levels of testosterone decrease significantly. This is due to the decrease in production of testosterone by the ovaries and adrenal glands. The decrease in testosterone levels can cause symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and mood changes.
Prior to menopause, a woman’s ovaries are the principal source of testosterone in her bloodstream. However, after menopause, the ovaries cease to function and no longer produce testosterone. Because a woman still requires testosterone for a range of physical processes and systems, her body begins producing blood testosterone from the hormone DHEA produced by the adrenal glands.
It’s also worth noting that certain medical conditions and medications can also cause a decrease in testosterone levels in women. For example, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF) can affect the production of hormones in the ovaries and lead to decreased testosterone levels. Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and anti-androgens, can also decrease testosterone levels.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women (That HRT Can Help!)
Low levels of testosterone in women, also called hypoandrogenism, can cause a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms of low testosterone in women include:
- Low sex drive or decreased sexual interest
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Depression or mood changes
- Loss of bone density, leading to osteoporosis
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irregular menstrual cycles
However, many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to consult with an HRT expert like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms to see if HRT is right for you.
It’s also important to note that some women might not experience any symptoms at all, even if they have high or low testosterone levels.
How Testosterone Levels Affect Hair Loss in Women
High testosterone is commonly associated with hair loss or hair thinning in women. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, and DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter and finer hair. This can lead to hair loss on the scalp, as well as increased hair growth on other parts of the body, such as the face or chest.
However, hair growth is a complex process that is affected by many factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and overall health. Therefore, if you’re a woman who is experiencing hair loss or thinning, it’s important to consult with an HRT specialist like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX to determine the underlying cause, and to get the appropriate treatment.
Low Testosterone and Weight Gain in Women
Testosterone levels can also affect weight gain in women. Sufficient testosterone levels improve body composition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. Women with higher levels of testosterone may have a higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage, which can contribute to a lower body weight.
Conversely, low levels of testosterone in women can contribute to weight gain. Testosterone helps regulate metabolism, and low levels can lead to decreased muscle mass, which can lead to a slower metabolism, making it more difficult to lose weight.
In many cases, balancing estrogen and testosterone levels with HRT can help women build muscle, as well as stop accumulating unwanted body fat If you’re concerned about unexplained weight gain or loss of muscle mass, an HRT specialist like Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX can offer personalized blood testing to see if HRT is right for you.
HRT, Testosterone & Heart Disease in Women
A recent groundbreaking study published by Monash University discovered that women over the age of 70 with low testosterone levels are also nearly twice as likely to suffer a cardiac attack.
Women over the age of 70 without a history of cardiovascular disease events had their blood tested for levels of testosterone, DHEA, and estrogen. The findings from the data, according to the researchers, strongly supported the advantages of HRT testosterone replacement for avoiding cardiovascular disease in older women.
Since previous research has shown that testosterone treatment reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow in arteries, it just “makes sense” that older women may be protected against cardiovascular illness by having greater testosterone levels.
HRT Testosterone Therapy | Austin, TX
Often it is hormone decline or imbalance – not just “aging” – that causes women to gain weight, lose hair, have low energy, and lose muscle mass during menopause. The good news is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an easy, effective, and affordable treatment that can reverse many of these symptoms and restore your appearance and your quality of life!
If you are a woman in the Austin, TX area who is experiencing the challenges of perimenopause or menopause, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ruthie Harper to see if 100% natural, bioidentical HRT is the right treatment for you!
