The sum of its parts

Q: I am interested in trying bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for my hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, but I am nervous to use testosterone. When I mentioned that it was a part of the program to a friend of mine, she warned me that it could cause me to grow facial hair. I know it sounds vain, but I want to avoid that if possible. Do I really need the testosterone?

Dr. Wright: A woman's ovaries naturally make estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. So if you're going to replace the hormones that your ovaries aren't making enough of anymore due to menopause, it's always best to do as the ovaries do and use them all.

I know it may be boring to read this over and over, but I wouldn't repeat it so often if it wasn't so important: For the best -- and safest -- results in any therapy, it's absolutely crucial to copy nature as closely as possible.

If you're replacing natural hormones, use bio-identical molecules in their natural patterns and relationships. And use physiologic quantities and physiologic timing. The doses of testosterone in most bio-identical hormone replacement protocols are meant to replicate what your body would naturally produce on its own, so the chances of the problems you mentioned occurring are very small. Of course, following these guidelines doesn't guarantee that there will never be problems, but it certainly minimizes the risk.

Privacy Policy