There is much controversy surround the use of synthetic hormones in menopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy has both benefits and disadvantages and many women can become confused over all of the information on the subject. One thing is true though; taking hormone replacement therapy does help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause that many women find intolerable. Many wonder if these hormones are necessary and it is important to understand the role of hormones produced by the ovaries.

Menopause can be confusing and there is a lot of information about this time in a woman’s life. Many want to face menopause naturally and others ask for prescriptions to help them deal with insomnia, night sweats and mood swings. When a woman enters menopause, her ovaries stop producing hormones. One hormone that is produced is the male hormone, most commonly known as testosterone. Other hormones produced by the ovaries are progestin and estrogen.

Testosterone is one hormone produced by the ovaries. Testosterone is considered the “male” hormone. In a man, testosterone is responsible for sex drive and the development of muscles and the deepening of the voice. In women it plays a different role and is found in much smaller quantities than in men. After menopause or the surgical removal of the ovaries, a woman’s testosterone level can drop up to fifty percent. This can leave women feeling with a decreased sex drive; feeling depressed or can reduce the energy levels. With hormone replacement therapy that includes testosterone, women often report an overall feeling of wellness, and improved mental state.

Many women may not fully understand the role of testosterone or may be reluctant to try this form of therapy. Testosterone is not harmful to a woman. Every woman has certain levels of this hormone before having the ovaries removed or before menopause. Some women fear the side effects such as unwanted hair growth, deepening of the voice or problems with their sex drives. Many doctors feel these fears are unfounded and very few women actually report these side effects when taking small doses of testosterone. Doses of testosterone are not given in large amounts, but given in the dosage that is equal to the normal amounts that are produced by the ovaries. Women who do find that they are having side effects from taking testosterone to correct problems caused by menopause are told to stop taking the medication. Also, most women find most side effects caused by testosterone very slight and that it greatly improves their quality of life.

In addition, many women may benefit from the increase of sex drive while taking testosterone for hormone replacement therapy. However, doctors who do choose to prescribe testosterone to women during their menopausal years are cautioned to use is in small doses. Excessive doses do cause problems that women want to avoid. This can include changes in the complexion, such as rashes and acne, flushing, excessive sweating, vaginal itching and enlargement of the clitoris. Doctors who commonly prescribe testosterone might also prescribe estrogen to combat those unwanted side effects from testosterone.