Regarding sex hormones, we tend to polarize them into those exclusively in men and those that can only be found in women. However, the human body is not a binary system, meaning that some of our chemical products can be found in both genders. And a common misconception that now deserves a thorough explanation is that: testosterone is not only present in men but also women. So, this specific hormone is also a vital factor that largely contributes to women’s well-being.
Testosterone in women plays a crucial role in various health aspects, including reproduction, mood and cognition, bone health, and physical development. Contrary to popular belief, this hormone is equally important in both sexes.
What Does Testosterone Do for Women?
Testosterone’s effects on women are as broad and profound as on men. This sex hormone determines how a woman’s body operates physically and how the mind thinks and works.
Maintain Sex Drive
Testosterone plays a role in driving desire, fantasy, and sexual thoughts and providing energy for sex in women. In addition, increasing testosterone levels have been found to increase sexual desire in women with menopause-related low libido. Still, in combination with estrogen, testosterone may be more effective than testosterone alone in increasing sexual desire.
Increase Fertility
Testosterone improves the production of cervical mucus, which promotes fertility, by increasing circulation to the pelvic region. Testosterone also promotes the formation of follicles, which are structures that hold and release eggs during ovulation. Increased sex drive due to testosterone also has an indirect effect on fertility.
Keep Bones Healthy
Testosterone significantly influences the growth and maintenance of bones in women. It is because this hormone is associated with bone density. Although the association between testosterone and bone density among women is not as remarkable as in men, the right amount of testosterone promotes women’s bone growth and strength. In contrast, too much or too little can be harmful.
Protect Cognition
Finally, testosterone affects how women maintain cognitive functions, as this hormone has neuroprotective effects. Women with Alzheimer’s disease tend to have lower testosterone and estrogen levels than healthy women. In contrast, higher testosterone levels are linked to better performance in tasks that require cognition.
How Can Women Maintain Testosterone?
Diet and Supplementation
Women with low testosterone levels may be able to increase their levels by eating foods like ginger, fatty fish, and some vegetables. Processed, frozen, or prepackaged meals, on the other hand, should be avoided as they can lower testosterone levels. Diets that include whole foods and provide a healthy balance of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are the best. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet can help balance all hormone levels in the body and promote long-term health.
Supplementation can also help to correct a deficiency and even increase testosterone levels. For example, magnesium supplements can help restore testosterone levels to normal. Likewise, zinc supplements may also be able to prevent a drop in testosterone levels.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
A combination of sleep deprivation, a sedentary lifestyle, excess stress and anxiety, and alcohol abuse is the culprit behind the decline in testosterone. Therefore, positive lifestyle modifications are another foundation for reserving testosterone in women. Importantly, getting rid of stress can be one of the most straightforward approaches to maintaining testosterone levels.
Testosterone Therapy
The ultimate approach to improving testosterone levels in women is taking testosterone replacement therapy. This treatment option is safe, efficient, and scientifically backed to bring testosterone back to optimal levels. Testosterone replacement therapy uses bioidentical hormone pellets based on human hormones to balance hormone levels in the female body, allowing women to feel younger, have more energy, and regain control of their bodies and minds.
Many women are concerned about testosterone therapy’s risks and side effects. The more testosterone a woman has, the more it is converted into estrogen. And higher estrogen has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
However, testosterone replacement therapy aims to figure out the exact level of testosterone a woman needs and achieve that level. Therefore, this treatment’s risks and side effects are minimized, allowing women to regain hormonal balance.
Explore Better Hormone Health
ReVital offers free consultations where you can speak to one of our clinicians about ReVital’s Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. At ReVital, we can conduct simple blood tests to evaluate the levels of these hormones in your system and prescribe supplements or therapies to treat and control the majority of hormonal imbalances. We also encourage that you connect with your regular doctor about any changes in your health and moods.