Is testosterone only for men?

The idea that testosterone is a male only sex hormone is a complete myth. Testosterone is produced in small amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands and is critical for women’s overall hormone health.

Testosterone is important for:

• Maintaining a healthy sex drive and satisfaction;

• Maintaining healthy body composition by converting fat into muscle and increasing muscle mass;

• Maintaining bone health/density;

• Brain health and cognitive function, memory, and balanced moods and stress management;

• Production of sebum, an oil produced by skin (too much testosterone = oily skin; not enough = dry); and

• Helps with insulin sensitivity.

While testosterone is responsible for many physical and emotional characteristics often associated with men, it is so important for the above functions, as well as for maintaining a sense of power, motivation, and assertiveness.

Like any other hormone, balance is key. Having too much or too little testosterone can throw the above functions out of whack.

Signs of high testosterone include:

• Acne, oily skin;

• Increased body and facial hair (especially on chest or chin);

• Thinning scalp hair;

• Mood imbalances (aggression, irritability, etc.);

• Blood sugar imbalance (cravings, mood swings, energy crashes, etc.);

• Hot flashes.

High testosterone may be caused by supplementation (if taking hormone replacement therapy); polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); low levels of sex hormone binding globulin or albumin (get blood levels checked with doctor); peri-menopause or menopause; stress; inflammation; overweight or obesity; and sluggish aromatase enzyme activity (the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, resulting in high testosterone and low estrogen).

Signs of low testosterone include:

• Fatigue;

• Weight gain;

• Difficulty building muscle mass;

• Bone loss;

• Mood issues;

• Brain fog;

• Low libido;

• Sexual dysfunction; and

• Hot flashes.

Testosterone declines naturally with age. Other causes of low testosterone may include hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction; low pituitary, adrenal, or ovarian function; mitochondrial dysfunction; elevated sex hormone binding globulin; diabetes; hypothyroidism; sleep issues; endocrine disrupting chemicals; zinc deficiency; alcohol use; overactive aromatase enzyme activity (too much testosterone is being converted to estrogen, causing low testosterone and high estrogen); and certain medications, including the birth control pill.

If you suspect you have an imbalance in testosterone levels, the best next step is to get tested to confirm the suspicion and work with a practitioner.

My 1:1 hormone health coaching programs include a comprehensive health history to assess your imbalances based on symptomatology (and option for functional testing) followed by individualized protocols for diet, lifestyle, and supplements to find balance and feel good.