This morning, a patient named Maria, who recently went through menopause, came into Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy looking for a multi-vitamin. As we chatted, she mentioned feeling a persistent fatigue, lower libido, and a general lack of motivation that she hadn’t experienced before. “Rania,” she asked, “I know estrogen drops after menopause, but what about other hormones? Could they be contributing to how I’m feeling?”

I nodded, recognizing her concerns. “That’s an excellent question, Maria. While estrogen often gets all the attention, two other crucial hormones — testosterone and DHEA — also significantly change after menopause, and their decline can certainly impact how you’re feeling.”

Her eyes lit up with recognition. “Testosterone? Isn’t that a male hormone?”

“That’s a common misconception!” I clarified with a smile. “Women produce testosterone too, albeit in smaller amounts than men. It’s vital for energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, mood, and especially libido. After menopause, a woman’s testosterone levels typically drop by about 50%, sometimes even more. This decline can absolutely contribute to the fatigue, reduced sex drive, and even a feeling of mental fog you’re describing.”

“And DHEA?” she prompted.

“DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is often called the ‘mother hormone’ to testosterone and estrogen, much like pregnenolone is the mother to everything else,” I explained. “It’s primarily produced by your adrenal glands. DHEA levels naturally peak in our twenties and then steadily decline with age. By menopause, DHEA levels are often significantly lower than they were in your younger years. Low DHEA can impact energy, immune function, stress response, and overall vitality.”

Maria looked thoughtful. “So, these changes are normal, but they don’t necessarily feel normal?”

“Exactly,” I affirmed. “It’s normal for levels to decline, but the impact on your quality of life isn’t something you have to just ‘live with.’ Many women find that optimizing these hormones, under medical guidance, can make a significant difference. The key is understanding what your personal normal is after menopause.”

“How do I find out what my levels are?” she asked.

“Testing is crucial,” I emphasized. “Your doctor can order blood or saliva tests to check your current testosterone and DHEA levels. This provides a baseline and helps determine if supplementation or other strategies might be beneficial. And speaking of testing, we’re excited to soon be offering comprehensive HRT saliva testing right here at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, which will give you and your doctor a much more complete picture of your hormone health.”

“That’s wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “And if my levels are low?”

“That’s where personalized compounding comes in,” I explained. “At Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy, we can custom-compound bioidentical testosterone or DHEA in precise doses, in creams or capsules, specifically tailored to your body’s needs. This means you get a fresh, potent medication without unnecessary fillers or allergens. Our fully operational hazardous compounding lab also ensures we can safely and accurately prepare these specialized hormone therapies.”

Maria left with her multi-vitamin and a renewed sense of hope, empowered with the knowledge that her symptoms were understood and that solutions might be available. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help women navigate this new phase of life with confidence and vitality.

Until tomorrow,

Rania – Your Friendly Pharmacist at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

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