Hormone therapy is a necessity if you’re struggling with the effects of hormone imbalances. Many women find the symptoms of high testosterone levels problematic. If you’re a woman with low testosterone levels, it is still important for you to see a hormone therapy specialist. Understandably, you might have some concerns holding you back.
One important thing for you to know is that you will be treated with bioidentical hormones, not uncontrolled doses of testosterone (such as steroids). These hormones are chemically identical, matching those that occur naturally in your body.
However, you might have heard other prominent myths about testosterone. Read on for a breakdown of each myth and find out why they are unfounded.
Myth #1: Testosterone Replacement Therapy is Dangerous for Women
There are rumors that testosterone causes damage to the heart and liver or that it increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
The reality is much different. Women need enough testosterone to protect their heart from disease. In fact, low testosterone levels help predict heart failure.
Similarly, testosterone patches avoid the liver completely — so they cannot cause liver damage.
Myth #2: Women Don’t Require Testosterone
Contrary to popular belief, women do need a certain amount of testosterone for their reproductive and general health.
Low testosterone levels can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, lost bone density, fertility issues, and irregular menstrual cycles.
If your doctor has ruled out factors like depression, anxiety, menopause, and other conditions, low testosterone might be the culprit.
Myth #3: Testosterone Increases Your Risk of Breast Cancer
As with heart disease, testosterone might be a protective element against breast cancer.
Many of the studies linking testosterone and breast cancer ignore the effects of higher estradiol levels and higher BMI. Estradiol is a form of estrogen that can increase the risk of breast cancer for women in abnormally high amounts.
Better studies have shown, however, that testosterone does not increase breast cancer risk. Moreover, they suggest that testosterone might even protect against the cancer.
Myth #4: Testosterone Leads to Angry or Aggressive Behavior
While anabolic steroids prove to increase aggressive behavior, safe forms of testosterone therapy do not.
Anabolic steroids are illegal drugs made to improve muscle-building ability and athletic performance. They are made from extremely high doses of testosterone and other hormones, which increases rage and aggressive behavior in users. Users are not medically supervised.
Testosterone therapy, on the other hand, does not carry those risks. Physicians supervise the process from start to finish, ensuring that your testosterone levels stay within a normal range.
Myth #5: Testosterone Has a Masculinizing Effect
Many women fear that testosterone will masculinize their features, causing them to grow facial and body hair in high amounts.
Your hormone therapy specialist will administer sufficient levels of testosterone — not high amounts. For masculinization to take place, much higher doses of testosterone are necessary.
Simpatra providers use special technology to provide you with accurate, precise dosing guidelines. That is why you do not have to worry about receiving masculinizing doses of testosterone. You will receive the right amount for your body’s needs.
Find Your Hormone Therapy Specialist Today
Struggling with low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances? Find a provider in your city or state that specializes in hormone therapy. Take the first step in your journey to getting your life back.