HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy

SHARING IS CARING

Testosterone and Menopause: What Are My Options?

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

Bring back that lovin' feelin'
Whoa, that lovin' feelin'
Bring back that lovin' feelin'
'Cause it's gone, gone, gone ...

Perhaps this is how you feel since menopause has zapped everything from you. Maybe you’re tired, fighting brain fog, and dealing with night sweats. It’s no wonder you aren’t feeling that certain spark. In the long run, it may be taking a toll on your self-esteem and marriage, too.

What’s even more frustrating is that you’re likely using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), yet it doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. Yes, it’s helping with hot flashes and vaginal dryness, but you’re still missing that zest, the pizzazz that goes along with testosterone.

Testosterone

Women have testosterone, too. It’s produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries, so once menopause arrives you can lose a significant amount of testosterone. Besides playing a role in your desire for intimacy, it can also help with your energy level and sense of well-being.

Supplementing with Testosterone

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find testosterone for women. Currently, there are no testosterone products approved by the FDA for women. Some doctors will recommend visiting a compounding pharmacy to have a supplement made specifically for you. Others will prescribe male testosterone off-label and recommend it be used in a much lower dose.

With a prescription, you can get testosterone in several forms: injections, pellets, and transdermals. You and your doctor can determine which type may work best for you.

Testosterone Risks

More is not better when it comes to testosterone, especially in women. Too much testosterone can create some unpleasant side effects. Your voice can deepen or you may experience hoarseness. You can develop acne and oily skin. Your breasts may shrink. Hair can grow on your face and back, while at the same time you can develop male pattern baldness. It can make you more aggressive. Your good cholesterol level may drop, putting you at increased risk for heart disease. It can also negatively impact your weight, which also puts you at risk for heart disease.

Alternatives

If using testosterone is not an option for you, talk to your doctor instead of self-medicating. It’s not a good idea to use over-the-counter supplements marketed to men. Other supplements may create new problems without resolving the initial issues.

As there are a lot reasons for symptoms similar to low testosterone, you may be able to treat them with alternative means. For example, fatigue, stress, and mood issues are common menopause symptoms. Adjusting your HRT may help reduce those symptoms. Lifestyle changes, a better diet, and regular exercise can also improve those symptoms. If you have any chronic health issues, treating those are helpful, too. If you feel better, your desire for intimacy can improve, too. You can also find ways to be intimate outside the bedroom which can increase your desire for sexual intercourse.

Talk to Your Doctor

Keeping a symptom diary that you can share with your doctor can help the two of you decide on the best course of action. Your doctor may have additional suggestions and can go over your health history and medications to see if there are any other reasons causing or contributing to your symptoms. If your gynecologist isn’t helpful, talk to your general practitioner.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



SHARING IS CARING

Do you have a question?

If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!

HysterSisters Free Hysterectomy Booklet What 350,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy with pages of information, helpful tips and hints to prepare and recover from hysterectomy. Free download for members.

HysterSisters Articles

Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon

Lori Warren, M.D. 3900 Kresge Way Suite 30 Louisville KY 40207 502-891-8700	Ted Lee, M.D. Magee Womens Hospital 300 Halket Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 412 641 6412	Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747
Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573	James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074	Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001
Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Caren C Reaves, M.D. Caring for Women 2805 S. Mayhill Rd Denton TX 76208 940-591-6700	Arnold Advincula, M.D. Columbia Ob/Gyn Midtown 51 West 51st St, 3rd FL New York NY 10019 (855) 75-OBGYN