For decades, low testosterone has been viewed almost exclusively as being a men’s health issue.
But that narrative is finally changing.
Major medical journals, mainstream media outlets, and health organizations are finally recognizing what Renew Youth has been preaching since 1999:
Women need testosterone, too.
This shift in perspective is a significant breakthrough for women’s health. And yet, many providers still will not prescribe testosterone to their female patients—leaving countless women suffering unnecessarily from symptoms that could be effectively treated.
Let’s explore why testosterone is essential for women’s health, why so many providers still won’t prescribe it, and how Renew Youth has been leading the way in this critical area of hormone therapy for the past 27+ years.
The Testosterone Gap in Women’s Healthcare
Until recently, most conversations about testosterone focused exclusively on men. The assumption was that testosterone was primarily (or even exclusively) a “male hormone.”
Unfortunately, this misconception has had very real consequences for women’s health. And not in a good way.
The truth is that while women need much smaller amounts of testosterone relative to what men need, this hormone is vital to women for all of the following:
- Energy production and stamina
- Metabolism
- Bone density preservation
- Mental acuity and focus
- Mood stability
- Sexual desire and satisfaction
- Body composition
- Motivation and drive
When testosterone levels decline—which happens naturally as women age, particularly leading up to perimenopause and menopause—the impact on women can be profound.
Why Many Providers Won’t Prescribe Testosterone to Women
Despite a growing recognition around the importance of testosterone to a woman’s physiology, many healthcare providers remain reluctant to prescribe it. The reasons include:
1. Lack of Training and Expertise
Most medical schools provide minimal information to medical students about hormone therapy for women. Testosterone therapy for women simply isn’t taught in depth (if it’s taught at all), leaving most providers uncomfortable prescribing it.
2. DEA Requirements
Testosterone is a controlled substance, which means prescribing it requires a DEA license, careful documentation, and regular monitoring. Many providers simply don’t want to navigate these requirements.
3. Dosing Challenges
Commercially available testosterone products are formulated to accommodate the kind of dosing men typically require. Properly prescribing testosterone for women requires access to compounding pharmacies that can create individualized testosterone formulations at strengths that are appropriate for women. This takes more time, effort, and expertise than most providers are willing to invest.
4. Outdated Concerns
Some providers still harbor unfounded fears about testosterone therapy for women, worrying about side effects that typically occur only when dosing isn’t appropriate or when treatment isn’t monitored.
The Renew Youth Difference
Since 1999, Renew Youth has been successfully prescribing testosterone therapy to women as part of our comprehensive bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) programs.
We’ve seen firsthand the transformation that properly prescribed testosterone therapy can provide to women. We routinely see the following:
- Regained energy and zest for life
- Improved mood stability and mental acuity
- Restored libido and sexual satisfaction
- Better sleep quality
- Improved body composition
Our approach includes:
Individualized Treatment—No two women are physiologically the same. As a consequence, we customize testosterone dosing based upon each woman’s unique physiological needs, using compounded formulations that allow for precise adjustments.
Comprehensive Testing—We monitor testosterone levels and how a woman is feeling at regular intervals (every 6 months at a minimum) to ensure optimal levels, safety, and results.
Proper Delivery Methods—We only use transdermal and injectable testosterone—never oral forms of testosterone that can stress the liver and never pellets that create inconsistent dosing and potential complications.
Expert Oversight
Our providers have decades of combined experience in hormone therapy for women. That includes expertise in testosterone replacement.
What the Research Shows
Recent studies have validated what have known for years. Testosterone therapy for women, when properly prescribed and monitored, is both safe and effective for:
- Improving sexual function and desire
- Enhancing mood and reducing depressive symptoms
- Improving body composition
- Increasing bone density
- Boosting energy and reducing fatigue
- Improving cognitive function and motivation
The key phrase here is “when properly prescribed and monitored.” This is where many well-intentioned but inexperienced providers can run into problems.
Long Awaited Mainstream Recognition
It is indeed gratifying to see major medical publications and news outlets finally catching up to what we have known for nearly three decades.
This mainstream recognition means:
- More women are learning that the symptoms they’re experiencing may be related to low testosterone.
- Researchers are now conducting more studies on testosterone therapy for women.
- Patient advocacy groups are pushing for better access to testosterone therapy for women.
However, recognition and availability are two very different things. Many women still struggle to find providers who are willing to prescribe testosterone therapy, and who are able to prescribe it properly.
Common Myths About Testosterone for Women
While the greater visibility described above is welcome, it’s important to address some misconceptions that persist.
Myth: Testosterone will make women look or sound masculine.
Fact: When properly dosed and monitored, testosterone therapy does not cause masculinization. Women need only small amounts of testosterone. Typically 10-20 times less than men.
Myth: DHEA is an adequate substitute for testosterone, with some providers prescribing DHEA as in lieu of testosterone (with the idea being that some DHEA will convert to testosterone in the body).
Fact: While some DHEA might convert to testosterone, this conversion is unreliable and insufficient for most women who are testosterone deficient.
Myth: Testosterone therapy for women is about improving sex drive only.
Fact: While improved libido is certainly an important benefit, testosterone’s effects extend far beyond sexual function to include improved energy, mood, cognition, and overall physical health.
Is Testosterone Therapy Right for You?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, low testosterone could be a contributing factor:
- Persistent fatigue, despite adequate sleep
- Changes in body composition
- Decreased libido or sexual satisfaction
- Mood changes, including depression
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Decreased motivation or drive
The only way to know whether or not low testosterone is behind symptoms like these is through proper testing and evaluation by a provider with expertise in prescribing testosterone therapy for women.
Moving Forward
The growing mainstream recognition around testosterone’s importance for women is long overdue. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Women need access to knowledgeable providers who can prescribe and monitor testosterone therapy safely and effectively.
At Renew Youth, we’ve been providing this specialized care since 1999. We understand the nuances of testosterone therapy for women, our physicians have the expertise to prescribe it properly, and we’re equipped to monitor your treatment to ensure optimal results.
If you’re ready to explore whether testosterone therapy is right for you, we’re here to help. Don’t let outdated medical practices keep you from feeling your best. The recognition we’re seeing today may be new, but our expertise isn’t. If you’re ready to take the next step, call us at (800) 859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.