Women's Health

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Women

Women Also Need Testosterone

Androgens are popularly known as “male” hormones – but they actually play many important roles in the female body.

Natural decreases in androgens like androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) can lead to an androgen deficiency in women, which can cause symptoms like low libido, fatigue, poor concentration, and others. This decrease in hormone production is a common effect of menopause, but women of all ages can experience reduced hormone levels independent of menopause.

Symptoms of androgen deficiency include:
● Low libido
● Decreased sexual response
● Decreased sense of well-being
● Poor concentration
● Fatigue

These symptoms may be a result of androgen deficiency, or they could be caused by a deficiency of estradiol (a form of estrogen). Replacing both testosterone and estradiol can improve libido, sexual arousal, frequency of sexual fantasies, sexual function, body composition, muscle strength, and quality of life, more than just estrogen replacement alone.

Treatment Options

Testosterone Pellet

Testosterone and estrogen can be administered as a sterile pellet about the size of a grain of rice. This pellet is implanted under the skin to deliver a steady dose of hormone over a period of three to six months. Pellets offer a convenient treatment option for women who want to remove the burden of more frequent self-administration and/or injections. Estradiol-only pellets are also available.

Testosterone Nasal Gel

Nasal gel is a novel, easy-to-apply delivery system for daily low-dose testosterone. Testosterone can be administered to the nasal cavity using a formula designed for mucosal absorption. Testosterone can also be combined with oxytocin to provide a synergistic effect.

Topical Testosterone Cream

Testosterone is available as a transdermal cream for topical application to the skin. When applied to the skin, a small amount of the hormone penetrates and is absorbed into circulation. Topical testosterone provides 24-hour duration of action and needs to be applied daily. The dose can be customized based on your unique needs as a patient.

Testosterone Injection

Compounded injectable options include low-dose testosterone cypionate designed for use in women. Testosterone can be self-administered using a small subcutaneous needle to deliver a continuous dose of hormone over 1-2 weeks.