Menopause: Testosterone Is Not The Enemy!

Also in this article:

• Menopause and Women's Aging Process
• Testosterone and Menopause
• How to Improve Your Overall Hormonal Health
• Sum Up
• 4 Key Takeaways

Menopause and Women's Aging Process

It's normal to be curious about improving your quality of life during menopause. After all, this is a time when your hormone levels are changing, and you may be experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight gain

Usually, this process starts at age 45 to 55 for most women with the so-called peri-menopause. It can be hard to keep track of everything going on with your body during menopause—especially if you're also dealing with other health issues like heart disease or osteoporosis. We're here to help! In this post, we'll explore some factors that can make a difference for women going through menopause.

Testosterone And Menopause

There is a common misconception that when women go through menopause, their testosterone levels are high, which is why they are uncomfortable. However, it is quite the opposite! Both men and women suffer a decline of about 50% in their testosterone levels over the course of their life. Low testosterone levels result in low libido, less bone density, and a lack of energy in women. When testosterone drops along with estrogen and progesterone (which is the case of menopausal women), then these symptoms can develop into osteoporosis, chronic fatigue and depression.  

Therefore, it is not a surprise that research has shown the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in menopausal women. Scientists have found that the "male hormone" can have a beneficial effect on menopausal women by improving their sex drive, energy levels, and mood. Since testosterone is a forerunner of estrogen, it improves the latter's production of the "female hormone" and therefore decreases the intensity of symptoms experienced by women in menopausal age. 

That being said, if you're a menopausal or perimenopausal woman worrying that your testosterone levels may be too high, and blaming this hormone for your discomfort, stop. Testosterone is actually a friend in your situation. However, too much of anything can be harmful, so first look into hormone testing from Private MD Labs to fully understand your hormones. These results will give you enough information to discuss treatment options with your doctor. 

How To Improve Your Overall Hormonal Health

Good eating habits are essential to improving your hormonal (and overall) health. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising often, and getting enough good quality sleep are all needed to optimize your hormones in any life stage. These tips can be a starting point to improve your habits:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals essential for overall health and hormone production. 

• Prioritize whole grain foods, like brown rice, whole wheat bread, beans, chickpeas, etc. Foods that are high in fiber have proven to be anti-inflammatory, which will improve your hormonal response. 

• Exercise regularly. Working out 4-6 times weekly, including strength training and cardio sessions, is optimal. This will improve your muscle mass and heart health and release chemicals that aid in hormone regulation. 

• Some hormones have production peaks at night. Get good sleep, for at least 7 hours every night.

You already know how beneficial it is to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, even when you're following every healthy rule, your hormones might still be out of whack. If that is the case, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) could help alleviate your symptoms. Testosterone has been proven to be a good option for both men and women in their older years. Get your blood tested, speak to your doctor, and find the best option for your needs. 

To Sum Up

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process for women, but it isn't free of uncomfortable symptoms. Many women will jump the gun and blame their discomfort on testosterone, but the reality is that all hormones decline during this time, including said "male hormone." Women that are going through menopause can actually benefit from TRT and HRT with estrogen. Lifestyle changes are also helpful for hormone production and regulation. Hormone testing is an important part of your healthcare; you can look into Private MD Labs, where you can get your tests at affordable prices. Speaking to your doctor about results and treatment options is the first step in alleviating your menopause symptoms. 

4 Key Takeaways

1. Testosterone is not the cause of menopausal symptoms.

2. TRT and HRT can help women alleviate some of their menopause symptoms when done under the surveillance of a professional and with regular blood testing.

3. Lifestyle changes (such as eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and improving your sleeping patterns) can benefit hormonal health and should be considered even if you're on TRT or HRT. 

4. Hormone testing is an important step in your menopause monitoring and treatment, and can be done through Private MD Labs at an affordable price. 

This is a guest blog entry.