Ep 42 | The Truth About Testosterone for Women in Midlife with Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

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Testosterone remains one of the most misunderstood hormones in women's health. In my recent conversation with Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith, board-certified gynecologist and founder of the Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, we explored the vital role testosterone plays in women's health and why it's often overlooked in treatment.

Dr. Susan shared that women actually produce more testosterone throughout their lives than estradiol - though about 10 times less than men. This hormone peaks around age 25-30 and gradually declines with age, often leading to noticeable changes during perimenopause and menopause.

Beyond Libido: Testosterone's Wide-Ranging Benefits

While many associate testosterone primarily with sexual desire, its benefits extend much further. Dr. Susan emphasized that testosterone supports:

• Bone density improvement

• Muscle mass maintenance

• Enhanced cognitive function

• Increased energy and motivation

• Greater sense of optimism

• Overall feeling of vitality

The impact can be profound. Dr. Susan described how testosterone affects overall life energy - when sex drive increases, so does the desire to engage in life, try new activities, and maintain social connections.

The Treatment Gap

One striking revelation from our discussion was the significant disparity in treatment options between men and women. While men have access to over 20 FDA-approved testosterone products, women currently have zero. This reflects a broader issue - only 1% of research funding goes to women's sexual health compared to men's.

Safe and Effective Treatment Options

Despite the lack of FDA-approved products specifically for women, treatment options exist through qualified healthcare providers. Dr. Susan outlined several approaches:

• Topical creams and gels

• Pellet therapy

• Carefully monitored dosing protocols

Most women notice improvements within 2-3 weeks, with full benefits developing over 6-8 weeks. Regular monitoring through blood tests ensures safety and optimal dosing.

Finding the Right Support

For women interested in exploring testosterone therapy, Dr. Susan recommends:

• Seeking certified menopause practitioners through menopause.org

• Starting with low doses and careful monitoring

• Finding providers who understand proper dosing protocols

• Being prepared to advocate for yourself

A Holistic Approach to Sexual Wellness

Dr. Susan emphasized that testosterone works best as part of a complete approach to sexual wellness, including:

• Self-awareness and body connection

• Open communication with partners

• Intentional focus on pleasure

• Regular exercise and overall health maintenance

Moving Forward

Dr. Susan's insights highlight that sexual vitality has no age limit. Whether through hormone therapy or other approaches, women deserve access to treatments that help them feel their best. Her powerful reminder that "it's not done, she's just taking a nap" speaks to the potential for reawakening sexual energy at any age with proper support.

This conversation reinforced what I've long believed - that pleasure and vitality are our birthrights at every age. If you're experiencing changes in your libido, energy, or overall vitality, know that options exist. Start the conversation with a qualified healthcare provider and explore what might work best for you.

About our guest: Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a Board-Certified Gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner specializing in women's midlife wellness, hormone optimization and sexual wellness. She is the founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, and the best-selling author of "Sexually Woke- Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife and Beyond." She also hosts the popular podcast "Empowering Midlife Wellness." Dr. Susan is the recipient of the Texas Super Doctor award over a dozen times, as well a multiple time recipient of H-Texas magazine's Top Doctor and Top Doctor for Women awards. She also has been chosen as one of Houston's "3 best rated" gynecologists several consecutive years. Dr. Susan is also an ICF certified life and leadership coach, multiple time marathoner and Ironman triathlete, and mother of 3 teenagers.

Connect with Dr. Susan:

• Website: https://drsusan.com/

• Book: https://drsusan.com/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSsAoV6KrfZZ71Kkwb_GWVA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsusanofficial/