Myth: Testosterone is often seen as a "male" hormone.

Reality: While testosterone is naturally higher in men, it is also essential for women. Women have testosterone in smaller amounts, and it plays a key role in muscle strength, energy, mood regulation, and libido. Low testosterone in women can lead to fatigue, depression, low sex drive just to name a few.

Myth: Many believe testosterone therapy automatically leads to dramatic muscle growth and extreme physical changes.

Reality: While testosterone can help increase muscle mass and strength, and in excess can cause dramatic muscle growth and extreme physical changes. However, with the optimal dosing of testosterone doesn’t automatically cause significant muscle growth without proper exercise and nutrition. For most people, the goal of testosterone therapy is to restore balance and improve overall well-being, not to promote bodybuilding-level muscle growth.

Myth: Many people believe testosterone therapy will automatically lead to infertility in men.

Reality: In excessive doses testosterone therapy can suppress natural sperm production in men, but this effect varies depending on dosage and duration. It's possible to preserve fertility through alternative treatments or temporary cessation of therapy. Men who are concerned about fertility should discuss these concerns with our provider.

Myth: Many think that estrogen therapy works the same for everyone.

Reality: Estrogen therapy is highly individualized. Different forms of estrogen (oral, oil, patch, gel, vaginal creams) have different effects, and the appropriate dosage varies depending on the person’s symptoms, medical history, and preferences. Healthcare providers often start with a low dose and adjust accordingly.

Myth: One of the most common fears is that estrogen therapy increases the risk of breast cancer.

Reality: The relationship between estrogen therapy and breast cancer risk is complex. Some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use, but this risk is generally low. Estrogen-only therapy has a lower association with breast cancer compared to combined estrogen-progestin therapy that was studied in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. It's important for women to discuss their individual risks with our providers.

Myth: Estrogen is often seen as a remedy only for hot flashes and night sweats.

Reality: While estrogen therapy is commonly used to manage hot flashes, it also helps with other symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, mood swings, muscle wasting, brain fog and osteoporosis prevention to name a few. It can also improve skin elasticity and prevent the thinning of tissues in the vagina and urinary tract.

Myth: Many believe that estrogen therapy automatically leads to dangerous blood clots and strokes.

Reality: In certain women Estrogen therapy does increase the risk of blood clots, especially those who smoke, are obese, or have other underlying health conditions that predispose them to blood clots. For most women, when taken in the right form and under our medical supervision, the risk of blood clots is relatively low. Transdermal estrogen (oils, patches or gels) may have a lower risk of blood clots compared to oral estrogen related to how it is broken down in the body.

Our providers will help you understand this phenomenon

Serenity HRT offers personalized treatment plans, experienced medical professionals, and a commitment to your well-being that sets us apart from other providers.