Why is Testosterone Important for Women?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone, a member of the group of hormones called androgens. It is derived from cholesterol (like all the sex hormones) and its precursor hormone is DHEA. Although it has been thought of as “the male hormone”, it is also the primary sex hormone of women. Testosterone is produced by both the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The ovaries produce testosterone for many years after menopause. Therefore, women who have their ovaries removed are at significant risk for testosterone deficiency and the subsequent symptoms associated with it.
Here are just some of the female bodily functions in which testosterone plays a role:
- Libido – Testosterone in women plays a crucial role in their sex drive. It not only enhances the sexual mood, but it is also responsible for nipple and clitoral sensitivity. Furthermore, it heightens orgasms and the sexual response. Reduced function of the ovaries, caused by hormonal imbalance or a hysterectomy, lessens the amount of testosterone a woman produces, especially in the premenopausal woman. Low testosterone levels lead to a loss of libido and can contribute to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
- Bone and Muscle Health– Testosterone in women is essential for bone strength and development, as well as muscle mass and strength.
- Energy – Testosterone contributes to a woman’s overall sense of well- being and energy.
Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Testosterone Levels in Women
Similar to other hormones, the onset of perimenopause and menopause causes a decline in the production of testosterone (by at least 50%). Again, hysterectomy with or without the removal of the ovaries will cause a significant decline in testosterone levels. High stress levels can also contribute to symptoms earlier before menopause when a woman is in her late 30s or 40s. Here are some of the most common symptoms of low testosterone in women:
- Decreased energy
- Loss of bone density
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased libido
On the other hand, women could also suffer from symptoms resulting from testosterone levels being too high. There is a handful of reasons why levels of testosterone and woman could be too high for a woman, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, ovarian cancer or tumors, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Here are just some of the symptoms associated with testosterone dominance in women:
- Deepened voice
- Hair Loss
- Infertility
- Development of facial and body hair
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
What are the Positive Effects of Boosting the Testosterone Levels in Women?
Boosting testosterone through therapy that utilizes bioidentical testosterone has the potential to provide a multitude of benefits to a woman’s body. Here are some of the most common benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for women:
- Improved libido – An improved sex drive can improve not only sexual enjoyment, but also overall health and well-being.
- Improved bone density – Low testosterone leads to brittle bones, which can lead to osteoporosis and injuries. Testosterone therapy may protect women against issues related to bone loss.
- Increased muscle mass – Balanced testosterone levels promote the development of lean muscle mass and the reduction of fat. The appropriate testosterone treatment, done carefully with the proper dosages and a doctor practitioner monitoring the ever fluid hormone levels, has the potential to help women lose weight and improve their body mass index (BMI).
- Reduced inflammation – Proper testosterone levels can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Not only can these anti-inflammatory properties address issues like joint and back pain, but they may actually lower the risk of certain cancers as well. In fact, testosterone was one of the first drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer and is still indicated for this purpose.
How to Find Hormone Therapy for Women
Bioidentical hormonal therapy, including testosterone replacement therapy, can be a vital cog in improving a woman’s health. Hormone therapy, as offered by BodylogicMD, begins by measuring your specific hormone levels. If low levels are found, your bio-identical hormone physician practitioner will tailor a treatment plan consisting of nutrition, supplements, stress reduction, fitness and bioidentical hormones based on your individual test results. As a result, women enjoy renewed sexual drive, more energy, greater bone density, increased muscle mass, and improved overall health and well-being.
Of course, testosterone replacement without the supervision of a highly trained physician practitioner has its own ramifications. The specialized practitioner, like those affiliated with BodylogicMD, can evaluate your hormone levels to figure out if you even require testosterone therapy. If an increased testosterone level is deemed necessary, then having this assessment of your hormone levels will allow your BodylogicMD-affiliated practitioner to correct your testosterone deficiency with bioidentical testosterone while avoiding the ramifications of having too much testosterone.
Contact the BodylogicMD affiliated bioidentical hormonal therapy physician practitioner nearest you to schedule an appointment and learn more about how testosterone therapy provides balance for the many people who are suffering from testosterone deficiency.
