More Than a Men's Hormone
Testosterone isn't just a men's hormone. It plays a critical role in the health of both men and women, influencing energy, muscle mass, mood, cognition, metabolism, bone density, and sexual health.
At Albano Clinic, we use bioidentical testosterone rather than synthetic formulations, and every treatment plan is customized using laboratory results, symptoms, and each patient's individual goals.
Signs Your Testosterone May Be Low
- Persistent fatigue and poor recovery after exercise
- Loss of muscle mass or strength
- Reduced libido or sexual function
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Memory changes
- Low mood or irritability
- Slower healing and recovery
- Women may also experience reduced vaginal lubrication, decreased arousal, and difficulty reaching orgasm
Potential Benefits of Testosterone Optimization
Many patients also experience improvements in sexual desire and function as hormone levels return to an optimal range.
Special Considerations for Women
Testosterone is often overlooked in women's hormone care, yet it plays an important role in maintaining bone density, preserving skin thickness and elasticity, supporting libido, improving sexual responsiveness, and reducing menopausal symptoms.
Clinical Insight
For many women, testosterone optimization complements—not replaces—other aspects of hormone therapy and should be individualized based on symptoms and laboratory findings.
Potential Side Effects
- Acne
- Fluid retention
- Increased libido
- Hair thinning in men
- Localized hair growth at the application site in women
- Injectable formulations may produce more side effects than topical or sublingual options
Important Note
A mild increase in red blood cell count (physiologic erythrocytosis) is an expected effect of testosterone therapy and should not be confused with polycythemia vera.
Men receiving testosterone therapy require routine PSA monitoring. Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but therapy is not prescribed for patients with active prostate cancer.
Topical testosterone can transfer through direct skin contact or off-gassing if applied shortly before bedtime. Proper application timing and covering the treatment area help prevent unintended exposure.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Candidates generally include individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with testosterone deficiency or those with confirmed low or suboptimal testosterone levels on laboratory testing.
Not Appropriate For Everyone
Testosterone therapy is not prescribed for pregnant women, men with active prostate cancer, men actively pursuing fertility, men under 40 years of age, or patients with hormone-responsive cancers.
Treatment Options
Treatment Note
Commercial testosterone gels are generally avoided because they often fail to achieve therapeutic hormone levels and are typically more expensive than compounded bioidentical formulations.
"Hormone optimization isn't about chasing higher numbers—it's about restoring physiology so patients can feel and function at their best."
— Dr. Joseph Albano
Learn More
If you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to low testosterone or would like to better understand whether hormone optimization is appropriate for you, our team is happy to discuss your options during a consultation.