As Many Women Take Testosterone as Men (Plus Your Gut's Role in Menopause)

New research reveals surprising facts about menopause: as many women use testosterone as men, gut bacteria may influence menopause symptoms through the "estrobolome," and hip bone density predicts mortality risk beyond fracture prevention. These findings challenge common assumptions about women's hormone health. Key Takeaways: • As many women in America are currently on testosterone therapy as men, including compounded and pellet forms • The "estrobolome" — gut bacteria that metabolize estrogen — may contribute to menopause symptoms beyond direct hormone loss • Femoral bone mineral density is an independent predictor of mortality risk in postmenopausal women • Testosterone therapy may help with cognitive function, dry eyes, and dopamine pathways, not just libido • Supporting gut health during menopause might influence hormone metabolism and symptom management Sources & References: • As many women in America are on testosterone as men (https://reddit.com/r/Menopause/comments/1tc002x/as_many_women_in_america_are_on_testosterone_as/) - Reddit r/Menopause • Estradiol loss, the "estrobolome," and midlife symptoms: what the gut microbiome adds to menopause care (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42118552/?utm_source=HotFlasherBot&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=9433353&fc=None&ff=20260513094604&v=2.20.0) - Menopause (NAMS Journal) • Femoral bone mineral density and mortality risk in postmenopausal women: a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohort study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42118555/?utm_source=HotFlasherBot&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=9433353&fc=None&ff=20260513094604&v=2.20.0) - Menopause (NAMS Journal) Listen with full show notes: https://hotflasher.com/episodes/2026-05-13-myth-busting Have a menopause story to share? We'd love to hear it: https://hotflasher.com/share --- Hot Flasher provides informational content only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.