Testosterone
Although this paper focuses on bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, it is important to also address testosterone levels on order to achieve optimal hormonal balance. Although testosterone is thought of as a male hormone, it plays an important role in women's health as well. Testosterone levels decrease in women as they age. Low testosterone in women can have a negative impact upon sex drive, mood and well-being, bone and muscle mass, and cardiovascular health. A physician experienced in bioidentical hormone therapy will measure testosterone levels in women, and prescribe bioidentical testosterone if levels are low. Correcting low testosterone in women usually requires a 150 to 300 mcg patch or an individually prescribed testosterone cream. Since DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) can convert to testosterone in a woman's body, a woman with low testosterone might be able to increase her testosterone level by taking 15 mg to 25 mg a day of DHEA, which is available as a low cost dietary supplement.Too much free testosterone in an aging woman induces abdominal weight gain, as does a deficiency of estradiol. Progesterone may be weight-neutral, though some complementary practitioners claim it helps facilitate weight loss. Some doctors seek to increase progesterone levels up to 15 ng/mL.
The overall objective is to achieve a more youthful hormone balance to improve the patient's appearance, state of health, and well-being. The use of estrogen drugs is contraindicated in women with existing estrogen receptor-positive cancer.
