Celebrities' use of testosterone to boost their libido could encourage more women to try hormone replacement therapy (HRT), experts say.
Actress Kate Winslet recently appeared on the “How to Fail” podcast with Elizabeth Day and revealed that a low libido could be a sign of a testosterone imbalance.
“A lot of people don't know this, but women have testosterone in their bodies. Just like with eggs, when it's gone, it's gone,” the Titanic actress, 48, told listeners.
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“So once it's gone, you have to replace it, which you can do, and then you'll feel sexy again,” Winslet said.
“I know,” she added, without providing further details.
Actress Kate Winslet recently appeared on the “How to Fail” podcast with Elizabeth Day and revealed that a low libido could be a sign of a testosterone imbalance. (Felix Hohager/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)
What you need to know about HRT
Dan Holtz, a hormone expert and co-founder of the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, agreed that HRT is used to “optimize hormone levels in men and women throughout their lives.”
“Benefits include better sleep, more energy and less anxiety. [and] My metabolic rate has increased,” he said in a response sent to Fox News Digital.
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Holtz has worked with numerous celebrities to optimize their hormone levels, and he has found that many women and men report a “significant increase in libido after optimizing their testosterone.”
Experts say some women report increased libido when they supplement with a deficiency of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands.
One hormone expert said that many patients report “a significant improvement in libido after optimizing their testosterone.” (iStock)
HRT, also known as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), is a treatment that relieves the symptoms of menopause, says Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a women's health and menopause specialist in Friendswood, Texas.
“As you approach menopause, your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone naturally decline and you may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, vaginal dryness and decreased libido,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Every woman's situation is different, so the potential benefits and risks need to be balanced.”
“For many women, these symptoms can have a serious impact on their quality of life.”
Hormone therapy works by replacing levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts, Haver noted.
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“The aim is to alleviate symptoms by restoring levels of health-promoting hormones, but MHT also has additional benefits, such as maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which is a concern for post-menopausal women,” she added.
Targeting Testosterone
Although women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, Haver said the hormone is “essential” for maintaining a woman's libido and sexual function, as well as boosting energy and mood.
As women age and approach menopause, their testosterone levels drop, which can lead to decreased libido, arousal and satisfaction, experts said.
Research suggests that declining testosterone levels (which occurs as women age and approach menopause) can reduce sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. (iStock)
That's because the hormone acts on key areas of the brain involved in regulating sexual behavior, she added.
Haver said research has shown that for some women, boosting testosterone levels can lead to “significant improvements” in their sexual health.
“Women need to know that low libido is a legitimate medical concern and not something they simply 'have to put up with.'”
“Increased testosterone levels may make brain centres more sensitive to sexual stimuli, leading to increased libido,” she said.
Haver encouraged women suffering from low libido to consider testosterone therapy as part of a “wider treatment plan.”
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“The goal is to restore levels to the normal physiological range for women and increase libido without forcing the body into a 'male' hormone profile,” she told Fox News Digital.
Potential risks
The Mayo Clinic has found that testosterone therapy may boost libido in some postmenopausal women, but noted that research on its safety and long-term effectiveness is limited.
It has also been shown to cause some side effects.
“In most cases, other treatments are tried before testosterone,” the clinic says on its website.
Women's health experts say MHT can be a safe and effective option for women suffering from menopausal symptoms, but some warn of possible side effects. (iStock)
“This can include low doses of the hormone estrogen and a type of counselling called sex therapy. Some antidepressants can also increase libido.”
Mr Haver warned that HRT is “not a one-size-fits-all solution” and there are potential risks if administered improperly.
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“Studies have shown that hormone therapy, including estrogen, can increase the risk of certain diseases, such as blood clots and stroke,” the doctor said.
“Testosterone therapy may also increase the risk of unwanted body hair growth, a deeper voice, and acne.”
According to Haver, these risks may vary depending on factors such as the type of hormone used, the dose, how it is administered, and how long it is taken.
According to women's health experts, hormone therapy replaces levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts. (iStock)
“Every woman's situation is different, so the appropriate dosage, formulation and delivery system must balance the potential benefits and risks.”
Haver recommends MHT for women under 60 who are within 10 years of starting menopause, especially those who suffer from moderate to severe symptoms.
Multidisciplinary care
Haver noted that some women feel “ignored or undersupported” when discussing sexual health concerns with their health care providers.
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“Women's sexual function can be affected by hormones, neurotransmitters, mental health, relationships and even chronic medical conditions,” she said.
HRT can be administered in a variety of ways, including injections, tablets, topical patches, gels, and sprays. (iStock)
Effective treatment addresses these underlying causes, rather than simply offering a “surface fix,” she said.
“Women need to know that low libido is a legitimate medical concern and not something they simply 'have to put up with.'”
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For those interested in HRT, Holtz recommended finding an established company or provider with a track record of success.
Haver added that it's essential that women have thorough discussions with their health care providers to assess their health needs and determine the best treatment plan.
Fox News Digital's Caroline Sayer contributed to this report.
