That's right, we're myth-busting! Read below to learn the truth about some common misconceptions about testosterone and women.
Myth #1:
Testosterone is a "male" hormone
While men do have higher circulating levels of testosterone (T), testosterone is actually the most abundant active sex steroid in a females lifespan!
Myth #2: Testosterone's only role in women is libido There are testosterone receptors in almost all tissues in females. We have T receptors in our breast, heart, blood vessels, GI tract, lungs, brain, bladder, ovaries, vaginal tissue, bone, and muscle- just to name a few.
Myth #3:
Testosterone makes females more masculine
While"supra-physiologic" doses of synthetic androgens can cause some unwanted side-effects, testosterone does not have a masculinizing effect.
Myth #4:
Testosterone causes voice changes & hoarseness
There is no evidence of this! The most common causes are unrelated to T and it is more likely related to inflammatory changes, voice over-use, etc.
Myth #5:
Testosterone causes hair loss
Hair loss is complicated, multifactorial, and genetic. DHT, not testosterone is thought to be related to male pattern balding. Insulin resistance can also be related to hair loss in both sexes. Testosterone therapy actually increases scalp hair growth in women Myth #6:
Testosterone has adverse effects on the heart
There is substantial evidence that adequate levels of testosterone decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and that T is cardiac protective.
Myth #7:
Testosterone causes liver damage
The evidence shows that non-oral testosterone has no adverse effects on the liver. It also does not increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Myth #8:
Testosterone can cause aggression
Anabolic steroids can increase aggression and rage, however this is not true with testosterone. T therapy actually decreases anxiety, irritability, and aggression.
Myth #9:
Testosterone increases breast cancer risk
This one is a little controversial, but the evidence does show that testosterone is breast protective and does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Myth #10:
Testosterone is not safe to use in women
Testosterone therapy has been used in women since 1938! There is a lot of data and evidence on the use of T in females. The safety of non-oral testosterone therapy and long-term follow up in women is well established
Did any of these surprise you? It can be frustrating sometimes to see these misconceptions take hold and skew the public perception of hormone therapy- but we love the opportunity to educate. Testosterone is such an amazing tool in our toolkit to help you feel healthy and optimized!