Testosterone for Men vs. Women: The Truth About Libido, Energy & Orgasm | Ep. 204

In this episode, I'm talking about testosterone in midlife, menopause, low sex drive, and why so many women on hormone therapy are still missing the one hormone nobody thought to check. I learned this the hard way: after my divorce, I was dating again and having more sex than I had in years, and my pleasure started to disappear, even though I was already taking estrogen and progesterone. It took finding a sexual medicine practice before anyone mentioned testosterone.

I use that experience to take apart some of the biggest myths about testosterone. It isn't only a male hormone (when we're younger, women actually make more of it than men). A "normal" result doesn't mean much if your provider doesn't know how to read it. More isn't better. And a men's product at a much smaller dose isn't dangerous when the right clinician prescribes it. I also explain why low T in men builds so slowly that many don't notice it until their 50s and 60s, what men who want children should know before starting treatment, and why testosterone can help a relationship but will never fix one on its own.

If you've been told your libido loss is "just menopause" or "just age," this episode gives you the language to go back to your provider and ask better questions. And a friendly reminder: don't take your partner's testosterone.

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In This Episode:

0:00 – Low T Isn't Just a Men's Problem

0:14 – Welcome to Taboo to Truth

0:46 – Testosterone: More Than the "Male" Hormone

1:24 – How Men and Women Make Testosterone

1:56 – How Testosterone Changes as We Age

2:34 – Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

3:30 – Signs of Low Testosterone in Women

3:58 – My Story: Why My Orgasms Stopped

4:23 – It's Not Always Testosterone

4:56 – Total T, Free T & SHBG Explained

6:08 – Why Testing Units and Timing Matter

7:09 – Arya.fyi

7:35 – There's No Magic Number for Women's Desire

8:12 – How Men Are Diagnosed and Treated

9:11 – What Testosterone Can Do for Women

10:02 – Side Effects for Men

10:40 – Side Effects and Dosing for Women

11:24 – Creams, Pellets, Injections & Compounding

12:22 – Off-Label Testosterone for Women

13:41 – Don't Diagnose Yourself: Final Thoughts

14:12 – Final thoughts

‼️ Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching program for midlife men HERE.

To watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!

About The Host:

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Relationship Coach. She tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. On this show, we explore the intricacies of sex in midlife, offering insights and support for all those experiencing this transformative phase.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

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