Testosterone with Dr. Lauren Streicher

[madman]

In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Casperson and Dr. Lauren Streicher discuss the topic of testosterone. They address the challenges of discussing testosterone in short social media posts and the misconceptions surrounding its use.

They emphasize the importance of educating women about testosterone and the need for more research in this area. The conversation covers various aspects of testosterone, including its role as a human hormone, its use in women who have had their ovaries removed, and its potential benefits for bone health, brain function, and overall well-being. The doctors also discuss the safety of testosterone therapy and the limitations of lab tests in determining optimal levels.

They also emphasize the need for individualized treatment plans and the importance of education and communication in women's sexual health. Dr. Casperson shares insights from her book, 'You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should'ing" All Over Your Sex Life,' which aims to provide adult sex education and debunk myths surrounding women's sexual health.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Challenges of Discussing Testosterone
03:09 Testosterone as a Human Hormone
09:11 The Complex Nature of Libido and Testosterone
12:59 The Potential Benefits of Testosterone for Well-Being
17:45 The Safety of Testosterone Therapy
25:02 The Limitations of Lab Tests for Testosterone
30:52 Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Testosterone Levels
33:26 The Joy of Helping Patients
37:12 The Risks of Hormone Pellets
42:45 Addressing Vaginal Atrophy and Clitoral Stimulation
45:21 Hormones and Muscle Health
48:26 The Importance of Adult Sex Education
53:33 Optimism and the Future of Women's Health

 

[madman]

Takeaways

* Educating women about testosterone is important, as there are many misconceptions surrounding its use.

* More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in women.

* Testosterone may have potential benefits for bone health, brain function, and overall well-being in women.

* Lab tests for testosterone levels are not always reliable indicators of the effects of testosterone in the body.

* Safety is a key consideration in testosterone therapy, and individualized treatment plans are necessary. Testosterone therapy can be used to address various symptoms in women, but the dosage and approach should be individualized.

* High levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) can reduce the effectiveness of testosterone therapy, and it may be necessary to explore other options or address underlying causes.

* Thyroid dysfunction can masquerade as menopause symptoms, so it's important to check thyroid levels in women experiencing hormonal changes.

* Hormone pellets are not recommended due to the potential for side effects and lack of control over hormone levels.

* Education and communication are crucial in women's sexual health, and there is a need for adult sex education to address common misconceptions and provide accurate information.

* Hormone therapy should be seen as a preventive measure rather than a treatment for existing health issues, and it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle factors like exercise and nutrition.