Testosterone is vital to the health of both men and women. Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in the androgen group. It is derived from cholesterol (like all the sex hormones) and its immediate precursor is DHEA. Although it thought of as "the male hormone", testosterone also plays important roles in women as well. Testosterone in women is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The ovaries function to help produce testosterone even after menopause. Therefore, women who have their uterus or ovaries removed are at significant risk for decreased testosterone levels and the subsequent symptoms associated with it. Testosterone in men is mainly produced by the testicles and in smaller quantities from the adrenal glands. Testosterone contributes to muscle mass, strength and endurance, decreased fat, increased exercise tolerance, increased bone density, increased libido and sexual performance, and improved skin tone. Testosterone also protects against cardiovascular disease, reduces blood sugar, and enhances the quality of life for both men and women by decreasing the diseases of aging.
What Purpose does Testosterone serve in Women?
Testosterone in women has many functions. It is important for brain and bone health and development of lean muscle mass and strength. Testosterone also contributes to overall sense of well-being and energy level. It is best known for its crucial role is a woman's sex drive or libido. More specifically, testosterone in women is responsible for the sensitivity of a woman's nipples and clitoris associated with sexual pleasure. Testosterone not only enhances the sexual mood of a woman, but the experience as well.
Menopause and Testosterone
By age 40, a women’s testosterone production is half as much as she produced at age 20. Hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries will cause a more significant decline in testosterone levels. Also, high levels of stress can divert the precursors for testosterone hormone production in women over to cortisol production and create a further reduction in testosterone. High stress levels can also contribute to symptoms earlier in the peri-menopause when a woman is in her late thirties or early forties. This means less energy, insomnia, brittle hair, less bone and muscle strength, foggy thinking, irritability, and a diminished sexual drive.
The Solution
We measure specific hormone levels including testosterone in men and women. Based on individual test results, we can tailor a nutrition, supplement, stress reduction and fitness plan, along with options for replacement of natural testosterone if needed. As a result, many men and women enjoy a renewed sense of well-being, improved sexual drive, more energy, improved sleep and even greater bone density.
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