Why are so many women still being told testosterone is only a male hormone?
I’m bringing back board-certified urologic surgeon and sex educator Dr. Kelly Casperson to unpack what women really need to know about testosterone, DHEA, vaginal estrogen, and sexual health after 40. We talk about why testosterone is not just a male hormone, how it can affect energy, motivation, libido, mood, muscle, and brain health, and why “normal” labs are not always the same as feeling your best. This conversation is about helping you understand your body, advocate for better care, and stop accepting pain, fatigue, low desire, or feeling “not like yourself” as just part of getting older.
What you’ll learn:
(06:11) Why critical facts about female testosterone are frequently missing from traditional medical school education.
(08:39) Why testosterone is actually the most predominant sex hormone in the female body.
(10:25) How to identify key symptoms of low testosterone such as midday fatigue, poor gym gains, and lower libido.
(13:15) The difference between normal reference lab windows and true optimal metrics for active women.
(15:21) The three-step clinical order you must follow to properly evaluate if your hormone treatment is working.
(22:03) Why taking a slow and steady approach to hormone replacement prevents shocking your biological system.
(28:28) How DHEA operates as a precursor hormone and its direct benefits for local vulvovaginal health.
(40:15) The historical evolutionary context that busts the myth about the necessity of cycling hormones forever.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drkelly
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