title: Testosterone therapy in women: myths and misconceptions.
abstract: Although testosterone therapy is being increasingly prescribed for men, there remain many questions and concerns about testosterone (T) and in particular, T therapy in women. A literature search was performed to elucidate the origin of, and scientific basis behind many of the concerns and assumptions about T and T therapy in women. This paper refutes 10 common myths and misconceptions, and provides evidence to support what is physiologically plausible and scientifically evident: T is the most abundant biologically active female hormone, T is essential for physical and mental health in women, T is not masculinizing, T does not cause hoarseness, T increases scalp hair growth, T is cardiac protective, parenteral T does not adversely affect the liver or increase clotting factors, T is mood stabilizing and does not increase aggression, T is breast protective, and the safety of T therapy in women is under research and being established. Abandoning myths, misconceptions and unfounded concerns about T and T therapy in women will enable physicians to provide evidenced based recommendations and appropriate therapy.
authors: Millennium Wellness Center, 228 E. Spring Valley Road, Dayton, OH 45458, USA; Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, 3460 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. Electronic address: rglaser@woh.rr.com.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Glaser
authors: 1st Department of Ob/Gyn, Athens University Medical School, 80 Vas. Sophias Street, 11528 Athens, Greece; National Institutes of Health, NICHD, Bldg 10, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1103, USA. Electronic address: dimitrac@ymail.com.
authors: Constantine
authors: C
authors: Dimitrakakis
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000187:drug effects; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D006304:Health Status; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008603:Mental Health; D013739:Testosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014831:Voice / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D013739:Testosterone
keywords: Implants; Misconceptions; Safety; Testosterone; Therapy; Women