High Testosterone in Women?

Here is a story from Dr. Kaveh about the effects of unbalanced testosterone. Dr. Kaveh is an advocate for responsible and balanced hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in women. He shares his story as a cautionary tale:

From Dr. Kaveh: "When my Patient Woke up Swinging"

I once had a young woman wake up from anesthesia violently—so aggressive that it took three people to hold her down and prevent her from pulling out her breathing tube. Despite having no history of PTSD, trauma, or substance abuse, she emerged from surgery with a burst of force that shocked everyone. What made it even stranger was that she had no memory of the event. After she recovered I asked her many more questions, and she eventually revealed she’d been taking testosterone without any medical supervision.

Why Hormones Matter Before and After Surgery

Because she hadn’t disclosed her hormone use, we never factored it into her anesthesia plan. This experience drove home a critical point: patients often feel stigma around hormone health. Testosterone, typically thought of as a “male” hormone, is actually vital for everyone. When balanced correctly, it can help with mood, energy, and cognition. But at unsafe or “supraphysiological” levels, it may cause side effects—including, possibly, the aggressive outburst we witnessed in the operating room.

Testosterone: “Food for the Brain”

Testosterone influences brain regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Research shows it helps reduce stress hormone release, may lower inflammation, and fosters new neural connections. In balanced amounts, it can support mental well-being and even alleviate certain mood disorders.

Women Need Testosterone, Too

Many people—women included—don’t realize that androgens (testosterone and its precursors) are the most abundant sex steroids in the female body. They play a key role in overall mood, energy, and cognitive function. Lack of awareness leads some women to experiment with hormone supplements on their own, sometimes causing more harm than good. Studies show that balanced testosterone can improve mood and reduce anxiety in women, but too much may contribute to aggression, depressive symptoms, or other health risks.

Low Testosterone in Men

Meanwhile, men with low testosterone often struggle with depression, anxiety, memory issues, and fatigue. Conditions like prostate cancer treatments or chronic illnesses can deplete T levels. Replacing testosterone under medical supervision can help restore mood, energy, and sexual function—but again, balance is key.

Lessons Learned

In my patient’s case, we can’t say for sure that off-the-chart testosterone directly caused her aggressive emergence. But taking T unsafely, outside of medical guidance, can lead to unpredictable side effects—including possible mood shifts. Because hormones affect us so profoundly, it’s essential to include hormone health in any holistic approach to medicine, especially with procedures like anesthesia or mental health treatments such as IV ketamine.

Find the Root Causes

If you or a loved one struggles with depression, fatigue, or a persistent lack of well-being, consider talking to your doctor about hormone testing. Rather than blindly cycling through different medications, exploring your hormone balance can offer valuable insights into your mental and physical health. Done properly and under medical supervision, addressing testosterone imbalances can bring immense benefits—without the dangerous surprises. Learn more about our holistic approach to hormone replacement therapy by contacting us today.