What is Compounded Testosterone?

It seems like everything about our bodies changes as we age: our skin, our bones, even our mood or mental health. Many of these changes can be attributed to declining hormone levels — in women, a sharp decrease in estrogen levels is most associated with menopause, and can cause often-talked-about symptoms like hot flashes and depression. But estrogen isn’t the only hormone that declines as women age: testosterone, a vital sex hormone, can also impact your aging body’s health. 

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is one of the body’s key sex hormones, along with estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are considered key because they’re instrumental to our sexuality and fertility, and affect our lives and health starting at puberty. 

Testosterone is found in both men and women, although it’s considered a major sex hormone in men. For men, testosterone production is typically associated with the first signs of puberty, including lowered voice, facial hair, and muscle size and strength. And while testosterone isn’t a major sex hormone in women, it still plays a vital role in their body’s healthy functioning.

Testosterone impacts a woman's ovarian function, bone strength, and libido, as well as normal brain function. Similarly to men, a woman's testosterone levels decline as she ages — up to 50% by age 40. Symptoms of lower testosterone include low libido, reduced bone strength, poor concentration, and even depression.

Good news: you can balance your hormones as you age, but you’ll need a prescription to do it right. Since everyone’s hormone levels are unique, it’s difficult to find effective hormone replacement therapy over the counter. Prescriptions for hormone supplementation and replacement therapy can look like injections, pills, IV therapy, and compounded therapy.

What is compounded therapy?

Compounded therapy is a prescription medication that has been custom created according to your unique needs and treatment. Compounded medicines typically consist of two or more drugs. In the context of hormone replacement therapy, compounded testosterone is a popular treatment for symptoms brought on by menopause and/or aging. 

In cream form, compounded testosterone is applied once or twice a day (as directed) to your bikini line, wrists, or behind your knees. Studies show that testosterone can help improve a wide range of symptoms, including low libido, midsection weight gain, energy level, and mood stability. And while the effects vary between patients, most see results within 2 - 3 weeks with full results at 3 months.

Along with the medication’s custom formula, compounded testosterone’s ability to treat symptoms associated with low testosterone derives from the fact that it is bioidentical. That means it has the same chemical makeup as the testosterone your body needs and makes naturally, which makes it easier for your body to absorb.

How do I get prescribed hormone replacement therapy?

First, you’ll need to determine if lower testosterone (or other hormone) levels are the root cause of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Modern Age’s Aging Wellness Assessment is a great place to start. Through a blood test, we’ll measure 55 key biomarkers of aging, including your hormone levels, and determine if hormone replacement therapy is the best option for you moving forward. If it is, you’ll work 1:1 with a licensed clinician on a hormone health program and a plan customized to meet your exact needs. This plan lasts 6 months, and includes discounts to all Modern Age treatments. Ready to get started? Head to our website to learn more and book a free consultation.