Ep 27 | Testosterone, Perimenopause, and the Fountain of Nope

You've seen it all over social media, testosterone is apparently the miracle cure for every perimenopausal woe. Low libido? Tired? Losing muscle tone? Influencers say "Just add T!" The Docs say…not so fast 

Ready for the truth? In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su are here for just that. Even though it is not exactly what you're seeing on social media––it is science, sarcasm, and a few chin-year jokes.

The Docs explain what testosterone actually does in women's bodies, why testing it is tricky, and how misinformation has turned a controlled substance into a so-called "elixir of youth." They compare estrogen's unfairly bad reputation with testosterone's sudden celebrity moment. And they also explain why some promises from "hormone balancing" gurus should make you raise an eyebrow.

Listeners will learn the good, the bad, and the hairy: when testosterone might be appropriate, the real risks and irreversible side effects, and how to approach hormone therapy safely.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[1:03] Is testosterone a "fountain of youth"?

[5:30] What are the risks?

[11:16] Testing is unreliable (and meaningless)

[15:15] Can testosterone help libido?

[22:04] Testosterone deficiency isn't why you're losing muscle

[28:50] The truth about testosterone pellets

[30:33] How to use it safely, IF your doctor advises you to
[37:47] "We're not here to make friends. We're here to tell women the truth."

Resources Mentioned:

thecut.com/article/women-in-menopause-taking-testosterone

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su: 

Gennev:  www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

 

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html