During menopause, women often ask me if they should take androgens, which are male hormones, along with their other bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Let’s start by talking about what male androgens are and what they do. Androgens are hormones that are common in men, like testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, etc. Male hormones are made by both men and women, and both need them. Male hormones are made in the testicle and the adrenal gland in men, and the ovary and the adrenal gland in women. Male hormones help build and strengthen muscles, keep your mind sharp, control your blood sugar, make you sexually active, and are the building blocks for other hormones like estrogen, which are female hormones.

Not all women need to add male hormones to their BHRT, but they can help if they have lost their libido, have dry vaginal tissue, or are having a hard time making love. I also sometimes give women male hormones if they are doing an intense fitness program and are having trouble putting on muscle.

Women can have side effects from hormones made for men. Some of these are oily skin, acne, hair growth on the body (hirsutism), and changes in personality, such as becoming more aggressive or short-tempered. If any of these side effects happen, you should see a doctor right away. In fact, anyone who takes hormone replacements should see their doctor often and have their saliva tested.

Saliva hormone tests are the best way to find out if a woman needs male hormones. This lets your doctor figure out if you don’t have enough male hormones and what amount to give you. This, of course, needs to be linked to the symptoms of the patient. If male hormones are added to a BHRT plan, the plan needs to be checked on from time to time to make sure the right amount of hormones are being given. This is a good rule of thumb for BHRT replacement programs at any time.

If you’re going through menopause and want to learn more about male hormones and hormone replacement therapy, you could call or visit https://bergencountymedicalspa.com/ for a consultation. Our number is (201) 228-0971.