Abstract Testosterone is often called a "male hormone," but it is also a normal and important part of female physiology. Women generally have much lower testosterone levels than men, yet testosterone and other androgens interact with receptors throughout the reproductive system, muscles, bones, brain, skin, and other tissues. They also serve as building blocks for estradiol. Research continues to explore how female androgen physiology affects sexual health, muscle, bone, metabolism, and healthy aging. Subcutaneous testosterone injections place medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin rather than deep into a muscle. This route can be practical and easier to self-administer, but there is an important evidence gap: most direct research supporting subcutaneous testosterone injections comes from men or testosterone-based gender-affirming care. Randomized studies of testosterone treatment in women have mainly used transdermal therapy. Therefore, testosterone treatment for ...
Abstract This educational post explores the multifaceted approach to diagnosing and managing occipital neuralgia , a debilitating condition characterized by severe headaches originating from the base of the skull. As a practitioner with dual credentials in chiropractic (DC) and advanced practice nursing (FNP-BC), I offer a unique perspective that merges structural care with targeted medical interventions. We will walk through the diagnostic process, from palpation to pinpointing nerve irritation, and explore a specific therapeutic procedure: a targeted injection combining a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. This post aims to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of the physiological mechanisms behind occipital neuralgia, the rationale for our integrative treatment protocols, and how we combine chiropractic, functional medicine, and internal medicine expertise to achieve strong patient outcomes. We will highlight our clinic's collaborative framework, where Dr. Maria Gua...
