Is There a Place for Anabolic Steroids in Postmenopausal Women? | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
7,862 views
Muscle is increasingly recognized as central to healthy aging and longevity. Yet severe loss of muscle mass and strength remains a significant challenge for some women after menopause—and our therapeutic options are limited.
So I want to ask a question that may feel uncomfortable: Is there a place for anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in carefully selected postmenopausal women?
The evidence is limited, but it is not nonexistent. Small studies in older and postmenopausal women have shown promising signals around muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass, and bone density with anabolic therapies. Other research has explored whether adding testosterone to estrogen may provide additional benefits for bone and body composition.
These studies are small, and they certainly don’t give us definitive answers. But I believe they give us enough to stay curious and keep asking questions.
None of this means anabolic steroids should become routine treatment for postmenopausal women. This is not a recommendation. It is an exploration of the science we have, the science we are still missing, and whether anabolic therapies could someday have a carefully defined role for women experiencing severe muscle loss after menopause.
Sometimes keeping an open mind is where better research—and better options for women—begin.
Interested in booking an appointment?
Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter...
📍 In-person care in Houston and Cypress
💻 Virtual medical care across Texas, California, and New Mexico
✨
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a nationally recognized, board-certified OB/GYN, Certified Menopause Practitioner, author, physician executive, and authority on menopause, hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and women’s healthspan.
She founded Complete Midlife Wellness Center, serving women in Houston and through virtual care. Previously, she built Complete Women’s Care Center into the nation’s largest all-female OB/GYN group. Named a Texas Super Doctor 20 times, she is a member of the Texas Super Doctors Hall of Fame and a former national Physician Executive of the Year.
Dr. Susan is the best-selling author of Sexually Woke, host of the Empowering Midlife Wellness podcast, and author of the forthcoming Create Her.
She makes complex medical science practical, helping women live healthier, stronger lives in midlife and beyond.
She has also completed nine full Ironman triathlons and more than a dozen marathons and supports women’s health initiatives in Sierra Leone and Malawi.
🫴 Follow Dr. Susan on social media:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drsusanofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drsusanofficial
Podcast: https://apple.co/3ePe5NJ
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@drsusanofficial
🎤 Bring Dr. Susan’s Voice to Your Stage
Interested in booking Dr. Susan for a keynote, panel discussion, podcast interview, media appearance, or special event?
🎤 Speaking & Media Inquiries: https://drsusan.com/speaking-media/
📚 Get Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU
📚 Pre-order Create Her: Aging Into the Healthiest Version of Yourself:
https://drsusan.com/create-her-book/
🪷 Join the Well Past Midlife Masterclass:
www.wellpastmidlife.com
❗ DISCLAIMER
Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.
13 Comments
The first thing I was afraid of was having to stop HRT. I did stop, and I am okay with being without it for now, during the time of my treatment. But I was very upset when I learned that the next part of my treatment plan would involve hormonal suppression. I was desperately looking for answers and trying to understand everything.
Dr. Susan, you are a wonderful doctor who cares enough about women to take on such a sensitive topic and honestly explain the benefits and risks involved. Your video is three years old, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart because it gave me such a good understanding of my situation—and, most importantly, peace.
Thank you for not abandoning cancer patients and for sincerely trying to help every woman in need. I could feel that this was not an easy topic for you to address, and I want you to know that even years later, your words and courage are still helping women tremendously.
My eyes are full of tears as I write this.
Thank you, Dr. Susan, for being brave for us! ❤️
Is There a Place for Anabolic Steroids in Postmenopausal Women? | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
7,862 views
Muscle is increasingly recognized as central to healthy aging and longevity. Yet severe loss of muscle mass and strength remains a significant challenge for some women after menopause—and our therapeutic options are limited.
So I want to ask a question that may feel uncomfortable: Is there a place for anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in carefully selected postmenopausal women?
The evidence is limited, but it is not nonexistent. Small studies in older and postmenopausal women have shown promising signals around muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass, and bone density with anabolic therapies. Other research has explored whether adding testosterone to estrogen may provide additional benefits for bone and body composition.
These studies are small, and they certainly don’t give us definitive answers. But I believe they give us enough to stay curious and keep asking questions.
None of this means anabolic steroids should become routine treatment for postmenopausal women. This is not a recommendation. It is an exploration of the science we have, the science we are still missing, and whether anabolic therapies could someday have a carefully defined role for women experiencing severe muscle loss after menopause.
Sometimes keeping an open mind is where better research—and better options for women—begin.
Interested in booking an appointment?
Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter...
📍 In-person care in Houston and Cypress
💻 Virtual medical care across Texas, California, and New Mexico
✨
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a nationally recognized, board-certified OB/GYN, Certified Menopause Practitioner, author, physician executive, and authority on menopause, hormone therapy, sexual wellness, and women’s healthspan.
She founded Complete Midlife Wellness Center, serving women in Houston and through virtual care. Previously, she built Complete Women’s Care Center into the nation’s largest all-female OB/GYN group. Named a Texas Super Doctor 20 times, she is a member of the Texas Super Doctors Hall of Fame and a former national Physician Executive of the Year.
Dr. Susan is the best-selling author of Sexually Woke, host of the Empowering Midlife Wellness podcast, and author of the forthcoming Create Her.
She makes complex medical science practical, helping women live healthier, stronger lives in midlife and beyond.
She has also completed nine full Ironman triathlons and more than a dozen marathons and supports women’s health initiatives in Sierra Leone and Malawi.
🫴 Follow Dr. Susan on social media:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drsusanofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drsusanofficial
Podcast: https://apple.co/3ePe5NJ
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@drsusanofficial
🎤 Bring Dr. Susan’s Voice to Your Stage
Interested in booking Dr. Susan for a keynote, panel discussion, podcast interview, media appearance, or special event?
🎤 Speaking & Media Inquiries: https://drsusan.com/speaking-media/
📚 Get Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU
📚 Pre-order Create Her: Aging Into the Healthiest Version of Yourself:
https://drsusan.com/create-her-book/
🪷 Join the Well Past Midlife Masterclass:
www.wellpastmidlife.com
❗ DISCLAIMER
Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.