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There’s help for women who suffer from diminished sexual and physical function, as well as loss of muscle mass, after having a hysterectomy.

According to a new study, testosterone, a hormone commonly associated with vitality in men, benefits women, too. Researchers at the renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital have discovered testosterone benefits women whose testosterone levels fall after hysterectomy. When they treated women post-hysterectomy with supplemental testosterone, the researchers reported across-the-board improvements in sexual function, muscle mass, and physical function.

Hysterectomy is common in the U.S.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. The surgery varies—some hysterectomies involve removing the cervix, while others do not. In other cases, hysterectomy involves removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Hysterectomy is the second most common major surgery among reproductive-aged women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 600,000 of these surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year.

The procedure can successfully treat uterine fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, or even cancer. But it often takes a toll on quality of life. Women who have had a hysterectomy often experience declines in not only estrogen, but also testosterone. As a result, these women—many whom are in the prime of their lives— can develop sexual dysfunction, fatigue, moodiness, and decreased muscle mass.

Testosterone benefits women

Researchers studied 71 women for 24 weeks, looking at how different testosterone therapy doses might affect sexual function, body composition, muscle performance, and physical function. All the women in the study had low testosterone levels and had undergone hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries.

A testosterone dose of 25 mg (the highest dose in the study) resulted in improved sexual function, muscle mass, and physical performance measures, according to the paper recently published online in the scientific journal Menopause.

Researchers reported seeing few of the side effects that often concern women about testosterone therapy, including unwanted hair growth, acne, or a deepening voice. Longer studies are needed to rule out potential long-term risks of testosterone therapy, according to the researchers.

It’s all about balance

Testosterone therapy for women is one option in a range of hormone replacement strategies to manage negative symptoms associated with aging and hormone imbalance. The benefits of hormone therapy can be enhanced with nutraceutical therapy, aimed at achieving optimal nutrient balance in your body. With ideal hormonal and nutrient balance, women and men can build more lean muscle, improve energy, feel more positive, and counteract hot flashes and more associated with imbalances common with age.

Call the biostation™ today at 888-754-1852 or contact us online to schedule your private, personal consultation.