Fun fact about the women on the Asian side of my family: my mom/aunt/grandma are obsessed with death. And I know that sounds super morbid, but they talk about it in almost a comical way. Saturday night dinners at my obachan’s house are spent with the women clucking like chickens about wanting their grave to have an ocean view, what songs they want played at their funerals (my mom’s choice is Somewhere Over the Rainbow, because I’m sure all of you guys are dying (see what I did there?) to know), and what they want us to do with their ashes (I want you to carry me everywhere you go and have me perched by the living room…. They joke).
Another topic they LOVE to talk about? Menopause. And hormones. My mom loves to remind me that it’s still possible for me to be an older sister *shudder*.
However, they aren’t always too up to date on their facts, which is why this guest post is definitely something that they could find useful!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I received compensation by the author.
Understanding Menopause and Testosterone
Hormonal balance is vital to physical and emotional health. This concept is considered ‘gender neutral’, but the perception changes when discussing certain hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen.
Estrogen is viewed as a staple of femininity, while testosterone signifies masculine traits. Although men and women produce different amounts of these hormones, each is present in the bodies of both sexes.
Causes of Low Testosterone during Menopause:
Aging:
The aging process is the most common cause of low testosterone in women and men. Testosterone levels in women can begin drop in pre menopause years and accelerate after age 40.
Ovarian Surgery:
Most female testosterone is produced in the ovaries. Women of all ages who have had their ovaries removed are prone to low T.
Stress and Lifestyle:
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can lower T production. Menopausal women with excess stress may see faster drops in testosterone.
Effects and Treatments of Low Testosterone during Menopause:
For women, menopausal systems can include depression, lower energy and reduced sexual desire. Aside from personal effects, menopause can take a toll on relationships.
Sexual Desire and Pleasure:
Menopausal treatments often focus on treating physical symptoms, such as dryness or hot flashes. Unfortunately, estrogen and progesterone do little to restore libido that suffers from menopause. Prescriptions that replace these hormones but do not address low T can increase imbalances.
Low T is most correlated with drops in sexual energy and enjoyment. Testosterone is helpful to restoring sensation in the nipples and clitoris for sexual arousal. By doing so, an increase in female orgasms could also result.
Relationships:
Beyond personal effects, menopause can take a toll on relationships. This most applies to physical and emotional intimacy. Hormone balances affect mood and energy. Spouses may feel neglected by emotional distance that stems from disinterest or depression.
A lack of sexual desire often makes a partner feel unattractive or inadequate. Testosterone contributes to the libido and energy that can revitalize relationships.
Body Composition:
Women of all fitness levels can experience changes in body composition during menopause. Those with typically active lifestyles may notice declines in endurance and drops in strength. Women during menopause could have reduced results from workout routines.
Despite intense workouts, rises in underarm fat and drops in muscle tone may affect self-image. Testosterone is crucial to building lean muscle mass and reducing body fat. The effects beyond appearance also raise health concerns for women with low T.
Bone strength may decline with age and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Testosterone strengthens bones to reduce the threat of breaks.
Treating Low Testosterone during Menopause:
Changes to hormone levels are unique and determine the extent of testosterone replacement for each woman. Hormone replacement therapy is frequently used during menopause. Therapies may add testosterone to estrogen replacement for otherwise healthy women. Women who have had their ovaries removed may require special considerations.
Since men produce T in greater amounts, many males turn to testosterone boosters during ‘manopause’. The female body produces much smaller portions, so women must use discretion in choosing testosterone supplements and dosages.
Considerations:
Working with a medical professional is advised to ensure effective results. It is important to customize testosterone therapy in women. Despite body and mind benefits, excess testosterone can negatively affect female health during menopause or other life stages.
Oral T supplements may cause drops in HDL cholesterol that offset heart benefits from replacing estrogen. Taking too much testosterone may also result in masculine effects for some women.