I am interested in starting Testosterone Therapy, but is it safe for women?
Thank you for your question and interest in Testosterone therapy. Let’s understand why you want to be on testosterone therapy. We do this by having you complete a symptom checklist and a hormone panel (blood test). The symptom checklist and blood test are essential steps as they allow us to better understand how you are feeling and to assess for abnormalities in your blood work. We will sit down, review all the information, and discuss treatment options.
Testosterone therapy is not only safe but also an effective way of improving symptoms from fatigue, irritability, vaginal dryness, low or no libido, to reducing the risk of major adverse cardiac events, breast cancer, and enhancing lean muscle mass (Glaser et al. 2013, Agrawal et al. 2022, Mwamba et al. 2022, Tominaga et al. 2024). The key to successful treatment is regular monitoring of symptoms, routine labs, and clear objectives for treatment. Remember, testosterone therapy is not a magic fix for all problems. Testosterone therapy takes time; some improvements are felt in the first month, but the full benefits may take up to a year to appreciate.
Before starting hormone therapy, it is crucial to work with a medical provider who has specialized training and experience in hormone replacement and optimization therapy. I have a decade of experience and have completed specialized certification in hormone replacement therapy and optimization for men and women.
It is important to remember you are not alone on this journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.