Testosterone

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. Testosterone is primarily produced by the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. Small amounts of testosterone are produced by the adrenal glands—this is the only source of testosterone production in menopausal women. Although testosterone is the principle male sex hormone, it plays an important role in the quality of life and health of women. North American Menopause Society recognizes that testosterone replacement therapy for females may help some women enhance sexual function, While testosterone for women is an off-label use.

Benefits of Testosterone in Women

Testosterone plays many important roles in the female body, including keeping your bones strong and helping you develop lean muscle mass. It enhances vitality, energy levels, and sex drive in women. It also improves sexual pleasure by increasing the sensitivity of the nipples and clitoris. Other benefits include:

• Improves quality of life
• Improves energy levels and decreases fatigue
• Improves sex drive (libido) and performance
• Improves body composition like Improves muscle tone, strength and endurance and Decreases body fat
• Improves mood and may eliminate depressed mood
• Improves brain function – Improves memory and Improves concentration
• Improves sleep
• Decreases and may eliminate muscle stiffness
• Decreases and may eliminate joint pain

Health benefits of testosterone replacement therapy in women

• Reduces body fat and decreases the risk of developing obesity (especially abdominal fat)
• Improves bone strength – Decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis and Decreases the risk of hip fractures and other broken bones

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels in Women

Ovarian dysfunction during perimenopause and menopause is the most common cause of low testosterone levels in women. Removal of the ovaries during a hysterectomy is another common cause. High levels of stress will cause overproduction of cortisol, which then converts precursor hormones (i.e., progesterone) into cortisol instead of testosterone. This results in lower testosterone levels. Some prescription drugs, such as narcotics, can also decrease testosterone levels.