6 Myths About Testosterone
By Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb
Here at Meridian Medicine Seattle and Essential Wellness Smokey Point, we’ve expanded our offerings in the realm of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. And we couldn’t be happier about it!
You may have heard us talking about “pellet” therapy recently. Pellet therapy refers to the insertion of tiny bio-identical pellets of hormones into the subcutaneous skin for a steady delivery of optimal hormone levels for 4-5 months, depending on if you are a woman or a man.
The benefits of pellet therapy include:
improved bone density by 8.3% per year
reduced pain
improved energy, mood, and libido
reduced risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia
better body composition and less abdominal fat (only IF you actually work out and take advantage of the heightened level of hormones ;).
Most of these benefits stem from optimizing testosterone. But we hear a lot of fear and misconception about testosterone from our patients, and we wanted to take a moment today and dispel a few common myths about testosterone.
It’s A Man’s Hormone.
WRONG.
Testosterone is the most abundant hormone throughout a woman’s life. We make 3-4 times more testosterone than estrogen throughout our lives. The receptor site for testosterone is on the X chromosome. A woman’s testosterone will start to decline around age 25-40.
If I’m Over 55 And Past Menopause, I Don’t Need Hormones.
WRONG.
Testosterone is associated with dramatic improvements in bone density. Pellet therapy specifically has been shown to improve bone density by 8.3% per year. Testosterone is also associated with a significantly reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s and improved lipid profile, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Is anyone too old to have those benefits?
Testosterone Will Make Me Grow A Beard.
WRONG.
Testosterone can be converted to DHT - dihydrotestosterone in the body, and this molecule is responsible for increased hair growth on the lower abdomen, pelvic region, and face. However, we know how to dose testosterone properly and pair it with the right supplements or even medications to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT to avoid this unwanted side effect.
Testosterone Will Cause Me To Bulk Up And Look Like A Bodybuilder.
WRONG.
Testosterone stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein breakdown. This means that your workout will be more effective, and you will become more efficient at burning calories. This is one of my favorite modalities to help kickstart the metabolism if a woman is feeling fluffy at fifty. But to get this amazing benefit, you HAVE to work out. You won’t look or feel fitter simply by having more optimal testosterone levels. You only get that benefit when you put the testosterone to use. Your workouts will start to work for you again!
Testosterone Will Make Me Angry And Full Of Rage.
WRONG.
Testosterone actually helps most women (and men) sleep better and reduces anxiety and irritability. It’s possible to get off antidepressants (that are causing worse bone loss, weight gain, and low libido) with the help of bioidentical testosterone. When we have a better ability to cope with and handle stress, we have fewer mood issues.
Hormones Cause Breast Cancer.
WRONG.
The only hormone ever shown to increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer was PremPro or Premarin - pregnant mare’s urine. Bioidentical estradiol has actually been shown to lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer, and testosterone further reduces that risk. Testosterone is protective of a woman’s breast tissue.
Was this information new to you? Any surprises here?
Feel free to share this article with your friends and ask your provider at EW or MM if you should have your hormone levels checked. We are here to help you get on track to living your best life!