Testosterone is as Important for Women as it is for Men
It’s something we’ve all grown accustomed to: the woman’s hormone is estrogen, and the man’s hormone is testosterone. So, when women hear a diagnosis of “testosterone deficiency” they may wonder why they hear a prognosis usually given to a male.
Many women don’t realize is that they produce testosterone as well. The amount of testosterone women produce tapers off beginning around their mid-twenties, but they still need the hormone to live a healthy, balanced life.
And just like men can be diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, so can a woman. Being testosterone deficient is as serious for women as it is for men, and it can greatly affect their sex drive, exercise endurance, weight management, fat distribution and other parts of their life. To combat this diagnosis, the Age Management Center team of medical experts may talk with you about including testosterone replacement therapy to your hormone replacement routine.
How Does Testosterone Affect Women?
Testosterone’s effects are wide reaching, and they contribute to a woman’s overall well-being, especially when it comes to a woman’s sexual health. It’s been said that testosterone is the most abundant sex hormone for women. Women who suffer from a testosterone deficiency can experience more than just a low sex drive, there are also feelings of tiredness, moodiness, weakness, insomnia muscle and endurance loss, an increase in fat distribution and a decrease in energy.
Unfortunately, many women who feel this way chalk the symptoms up to their menstrual cycles, menopause or just overall depression; there are even times when doctors diagnose depression in women who are only suffering from testosterone deficiency. Getting their testosterone tested is usually the furthest thing from a woman’s mind when they go to the doctor. However, it could be the difference between a snap diagnosis, and the correct one.
Getting Your Testosterone Tested
Other than the general signs of fatigue, fat gain lowered strength and insomnia, one of the biggest symptoms of testosterone deficiency is a decreased sex drive. This includes losing the passion for sex, as well as the ability to have fulfilling and prolonged sexual sessions. If you’ve experienced a decrease in your sex drive while also noticing a decrease in your energy level, it may be time to get your testosterone tested. During your test, you’ll be assessed for several hormone levels including:
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
- Estradiol
- Progesterone and DHEA.
- Thyroid
- Adrenals
- Growth Hormone
Your endocrine system is a delicate balance, any one hormone that is off can have a domino effect on the others. Therefore, it’s important to test for more than just testosterone and estrogen. It’s important to know that status of all the important hormones for an accurate diagnosis.
Testosterone plays an important, but little-known, role in a woman’s overall health. A woman who is suffering from a disinterest in sex while experiencing a constant feeling of tiredness might not be depressed, but suffering from testosterone deficiency.
If you have any further questions about testosterone deficiency or would like more information on how to be tested for it, please call the Age Management Center offices and set up a consultation today!
