It’s a natural process that eventually affects all women we’re talking about menopause and the side effects that come with it.
But some women are finding relief from a little-known treatment.
Many women report low energy, hot flashes, anxiety and reduced sex drive during menopause. But as more are seeking help to reduce these symptoms, they’re discovering options they didn’t know existed.
When Laurie Lane’s daily run became increasingly difficult, she figured it was part of getting older.
“I started noticing all those fun symptoms, like just always tired, never really had the energy level that I had before, the brain fog,” said Lane a testosterone pellets patient.
Lane was experiencing symptoms of menopause and asked her doctor for solutions.
“I was very, very surprised because I’d always heard estrogen. I’d never heard about testosterone,” explained Lane.
Often thought of as a hormone for men, Dr. Terrence Peppy of Orlando Health OB/GYN said low-dose testosterone can also treat menopausal symptoms.
It’s available in several forms, including a tiny pellet that can be implanted in fatty tissue.
“This gives them control to feel better, have more energy, respond sexually, sleep at night, think clearly,” said Peppy.
A new national survey by Orlando Health found that 12% of Americans know about testosterone treatments for menopause.
Estrogen is much more commonly known – ranking below only diet and exercise. But estrogen treats fewer symptoms of menopause and carries an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke.
Testosterone can potentially treat up to nine symptoms.
Below are some signs and symptoms of menopause according to Orlando Health:
- Periods are shorter and lighter, or conversely heavier or longer, or with more or less time in between
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Less hair on your head, but more on your face
- Vaginal dryness
- Difficulty focusing
“I can control if I’m going to live with these symptoms or I’m going take matters in my own hands, if you will, and research and get educated and do something about it,” said Lane. “And that’s exactly what I did”
It’s important to discuss menopause symptoms with your doctor and talk about the potential risks and benefits of various treatments for you.
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