When you hear ‘testosterone,’ you probably think of men. But what about women? In the age of information and social media, testosterone has been predominantly highlighted as the male’s hormone, often overshadowing its role in other genders. In this post we’ll dive into the topic of testosterone in women, highlighting roles and benefits. Join us as we explore this overlooked aspect of hormonal health, and discover why testosterone is not just a men’s issue.
What is Testosterone ?
You probably heard about Testosterone when it comes to the puberty of men. Where it’s responsible for the change in voice, muscle mass, growth of facial and body hair to name a few. Just because of this association doesn’t mean those are it’s only responsibilities. It is a hormone, which plays a vital role in the everyday life of men and women. Maybe this main association is a cause for the missing knowledge or interest in a women’s life. I mean who wants to grow a beard or look like a body builder as women or at best have a voice like Sinatra.
Here are a few psychological and physiological aspects testosterone influences in women’s health.
Fat Distribution: While we know we can’t want the fat to go where we want because a big player are the genes doesn’t mean it can’t change. Even though you like your body’s shape now, a drop in testosterone levels will change it. Starting from the shape to increased fat accumulation and difficulties in managing and maintaining your weight.
Energy Levels: Do you feel fatigue or a lack of energy in general ? When your body goes through hormonal shifts, testosterone levels might decline, which influences your energy levels.
Libido and Sexual Function: Not only considered for men’s sexual function. It plays a crucial role in women’s sexuality as well, both in desire and function.
Mood and Cognitive Function: Swinging levels in testosterone will cause swinging in mood. Therefore, a stable levels will cause mental well-being and a positive mood. The field of exact nature and influence in cognitive function is still under study. Anyway, stand now testosterone plays a role in memory and cognitive abilities.
Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Next to the primaries estrogen and progesterone, testosterone’s role is more indirect. Imbalances can cause menstrual irregularities, which is a sign of broader hormonal imbalances.
Impacts of Low Testosterone
Are you a victim of low levels of testosterone ? There are significant impacts that reach far into your everyday life. Per definition low levels of testosterone in women are defined by 15 to 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood. If you find yourself within the symptoms you should consider a doctors visit.
If you suffer from low energy, mood swings and a cognitive fog. In the worst case, depression and anxiety disorder. These can indicate a low level of testosterone but a high level of impact of your everyday life. Osteoporosis- characterized by weak and brittle bones, a loss in strength and muscle mass are signs closely related to low levels.
Furthermore, when you have the feeling that your sex life is not what it used to be. Showing signs of decreased sex drive and sexual dysfunction is another sign. Sexual dysfunction appears in the form of vaginal dryness. All of which plays out on the quality of life.
Another would be irregularities start to show up. It’s the irregularity of the menstrual cycle in form of absent or irregular periods, which is unbeneficial especially for women that try to conceive. Additionally, low testosterone leads to irregular and trouble sleeping, which is crucial for mental well being and the production of hormones.
Risk of High Testosterone
You probably heard about the misconception that testosterone masculinizes women. Usually this is not try for keeping a healthy balance. But in the case of abnormal or excessive amounts in the body, it comes with health risks and issues.
When testosterone levels are high, you first notice physical changes. Your face gets oilier and acne might appear. You start growing more facial and body hair, but at the same time, you might see your hair thinning or even start to go bald. Your voice gets deeper, so much that your old math teacher or neighbor might not even recognize it. Your muscles get bigger, but your breasts might get smaller. These changes in your body shape come along with an enlarged clitoris.
Increased risks of certain health conditions are also no stranger to high levels. In regards of reproductive health female infertility and the development of tumors in the uterus are common consequences. A study has shown women with high testosterone have a 37% increased chance of diabetes type 2, as well as a 51 % increased risk for polycystic ovary syndrome, which is the main cause for female infertility. The research also mentions higher risks of breast and endometrial cancer.
The Balances and it’s Benefits
Let’s move on to the good stuff after talking about the risks of different hormone levels. We’re going to look at why keeping these levels balanced is a great idea.
Having balanced testosterone levels helps you control your energy and stress. When testosterone is low, the stress hormone, cortisol, often goes up. This can make sleep worse and leave you feeling tired. But when your testosterone is balanced, it helps you feel more positive and motivated. This means you’re more likely to get those nagging tasks done that you’ve been putting off!
Maintaining and keeping your weight, as previously mentioned, is linked to testosterone. Testosterone balance also maintains your metabolism equilibrium, aiding in weight management, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing cholesterol levels. In addition, testosterone influences cognitive functions such as visual memory, neuronal cell growth, learning, and emotional behavior through their androgen receptors.
Cardiovascular Health: Healthy levels of testosterone stimulated the production of red blood cells which supports a healthy circulation.
Bone and Muscle Health: Testosterone helps keep bones strong by working on two types of bone cells: one type builds new bone, and the other type controls the breakdown of old bone. This helps keep the bones dense and strong. In muscles, testosterone helps hold onto nitrogen, which is important for growing and keeping muscle strong. When testosterone levels are balanced, it helps older adults avoid losing muscle strength and mass
Healthy testosterone levels are really important for reproductive and sexual health. They help with fertility, keeping up a healthy sex drive, and taking care of the health of breasts and vagina. Good levels of testosterone also keep the desire for sex alive, including sexual thoughts and fantasies. Plus, it actively helps the ovaries work well and ensures the proper development of egg cells, which is really important for women who can have children and want to maintain their fertility
Why should you care about your Testosterone Levels ?
Let’s take a closer look at what we saw in the first part. Not keeping your testosterone levels healthy can really affect your day-to-day life and well-being. This is true whether you’re a man or a woman; unhealthy levels can lead to real problems for anyone. Ignoring your testosterone levels isn’t just about you – it affects the people around you too. So, it’s important to pay attention and take care of your hormonal health.
The good news is, there are easy ways to keep your testosterone levels in check. By following simple methods, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle – time you might otherwise spend at the doctor’s office. Plus, you’ll steer clear of the negative effects that come with unbalanced hormone levels. Keeping your testosterone balanced isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about enjoying a healthier, more vibrant life.
Why Am I Writing this ?
Why should I, a man, care about women’s testosterone levels? Well, the answer is straightforward. Earlier this year, my wife struggled with low testosterone. After her doctor visits and various prescriptions, I started thinking. Wouldn’t it be better to prevent these issues by making more people aware of how important testosterone is for women, not just men?
This led me to explore simple ways women can maintain a healthy testosterone balance, to avoid the negatives of low levels and the need for medications. So, my next blog post will focus on easy methods for women to keep their testosterone in check. Don’t miss out on this important topic – follow us on Instagram to stay updated! If you want to know how you can become a hero check our last blog post here.
Thank you so much for reading our article. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we do providing you with knowledge. See you next time. Cheers.
Sources
My Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24897-low-testosterone-in-women
Psychiatric Times: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/does-testosterone-augmentation-improve-mood-women
