Testosterone is an important sex hormone that is most often considered a “man thing.” Men may require higher levels of this hormone, but testosterone benefits women in a number of ways, as well. These include:
- Muscle and bone mass in the female body are each supported by testosterone. Therefore, a woman with optimal hormonal balance may be better protected from conditions such as osteoporosis and fractures as a result of falling. When bones are strong, they can endure the rigors of daily activity. When muscles are toned, they can support movement, which decreases the risk of falling.
- Women whose testosterone levels are low tend to report feeling more fatigue and less desire for sexual stimulation. After optimizing hormone levels, many women feel more energetic – in and out of the bedroom. In one study conducted in the 1990s, women who supplemented with testosterone and estrogen, as opposed to estrogen alone, experienced heightened libido.
- Cardiovascular disease has been identified as a leading cause of death in post-menopausal women. In a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, research suggests that testosterone deficiency is a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. This stems from the increased instance of disease in study participants who had had hysterectomies and were not treated with testosterone.
- Testosterone surging through the male body is a primary reason for the assertiveness of most men. Likewise, some studies have shown that women treated with testosterone also experience an increase in assertiveness.
- Hormonal balance is an essential component to restful sleep. Many women approaching or past menopause complain of fatigue that stems from poor sleep. When hormones are optimized in an individual manner, sleep can be restored.
- Testosterone is used by the body to regulate a number of systems, including those that control mood. Low testosterone has been identified as a factor in problems such as depression, mood swings, and anxiety.
Like estrogen, testosterone and other hormones work together to promote optimal vitality and health in men and women. Due to the historical views of estrogen, many women have been treated only with this hormone, rather than a precise combination of all that are necessary for optimization.
