Is It Safe to Take Testosterone During Menopause?

As we age our bodies produce less estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and by the age of 40, women produce only about half of the testosterone they produced during their twenties. After the onset of menopause or if your ovaries have been removed, testosterone levels decrease even further. Because of declining testosterone levels before, during and after menopause many women seek alternatives to help replace lost testosterone.

With so many treatments for testosterone available, finding which one is safe and right for your health and lifestyle can help you get back on track to a better you. Read on to find out about testosterone and its effects on menopause.

What is Testosterone?

Commonly known as the male sex hormone, testosterone is a cholesterol-derived steroid hormone that helps to promote sexual maturation in males and system regulation in females. In women production of testosterone occurs in the adrenal glands and ovaries functioning to help boost sexual drive, strength and mental stimulation. Compared to men, women produce on average 5 to ten per cent of the amount of testosterone.

Although women produce smaller amounts, testosterone plays a pivotal role in metabolic functioning and sexuality.

Is it Safe to Take Testosterone to Relieve My Menopause Symptoms?

Testosterone plays a vital role in the female human body. However, very high and extremely low amounts can wreak havoc in many women causing excessive facial hair, deepening of the voice, loss of libido, poor mood and fatigue. During menopause testosterone has both direct and indirect effects. Directly it affects testosterone receptors in hair follicles, brain and skin. After converting to estradiol, which boosts the effects of estrogen, the hormone indirectly helps to relieve hot flashes, fatigue and improve sexual desire and arousal.

Provided blood cholesterol levels are maintained within the normal range, normal treatment with testosterone does not produce any side effects. Yet taking testosterone for continual periods can result in abnormal blood levels and may induce side effects that include jaundice, weight gain, acne, swelling of the joints and persistent headaches.

Available in a variety of forms from patches to creams, testosterone is safe to take but consulting a doctor or healthcare professional is always advised when taking any type of hormonal treatment. Click here to read more information on treatments with testosterone.