Although testosterone is generally considered to be a male hormone, it is produced in small amounts by the ovary. Other hormones with testosterone-like effects are also produced by both the ovary and the adrenal gland.
Reprinted with the kind permission from Andrew Dott, MD, MPH and the Institute of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine
Although testosterone is generally considered to be a male hormone, it is produced in small amounts by the ovary. Other hormones with testosterone-like effects are also produced by both the ovary and the adrenal gland. These are called androgens. These hormones have the following effects:
After menopause, there are several situations where androgens might play a role.
The main risks of androgen therapy during menopause are changes in the blood cholesterol patterns and levels which may increase the risk of heart disease. These changes are dose related. Testosterone therapy should be used very cautiously in women with elevated cholesterol or LDL-Cholesterol or in women with a strong history of heart disease or high risk profile for heart disease. In my opinion, daily dosages of methyl- testosterone in women should not exceed 2.5 mg.
Androgens for women are available in the following forms in the United States:
Tablets combined with estrogen:
Injections --testosterone alone: (usual dose is ½ ml every 3-4 weeks
Injections --combined with estrogen (usual dose is 1 ml every three-hour weeks)
Testosterone Cream
This can be manufactured by a pharmacist in a 1% or 2% lipophilic gel base. The patient rubs between 0.1cc and 0.2cc once or twice a day on her inner thigh.
Testosterone Pellets
Testosterone pellets 75mg 1-2 every 3-4 months has been experimental for about 15 years. The use of testosterone in this form is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is relatively simple to compound using pure testosterone which has been available in the United States for many years. However, there are only a few endocrinologists in the United States who have access to them. These pellets are available through our practice. They are placed under the skin through a needle. The pellets offer the advantage of very consistent blood levels.
Dr. Andrew Dott teaches advances hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgical techniques, is on the speaker's panels for several American pharmaceutical companies and is a professional lecturer. Among his lecture topics are female and male menopause, menopause, herbs and medications, endometriosis, and contraception. He is available to travel and give seminars on the topics covered in this website both nationally and internationally.
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