Men and women have very different needs regarding their health. But they actually do have something in common when it comes to hormones. Men need a little estrogen for their feminine side (yes, they really do have a sensitive side) and women need some testosterone to even the score (don't worry – you will be resilient and feminine). Think strong, energetic and sexually responsive. With the right levels of testosterone, menopausal women can look forward to stronger bones, lean muscles and a sense of well being to include a healthy sex drive.
Testosteroneis a steroid hormone found in the androgen group. It is derived from cholesterol, like other sex hormones, and its immediate precursor is DHEA. It is often referred to as "the male hormone", but testosterone also plays a vital role for women. Testosterone for women is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. The ovaries function to help produce testosterone even after menopause, though the adrenal glands assume most of that role. Understandably, women who have their ovaries removed are at significant risk for decreased testosterone levels and the subsequent symptoms associated with it.
Testosterone has many functions in a woman’s health. It is important for bone strength and the development and maintenance of lean muscle mass along with exercise stamina. Testosterone also contributes to our normal energy levels. It is best known for its crucial role in providing a sense of well being and a healthy sex drive. It also promotes a desire to succeed and achieve and a sense of motivation in general.
As a woman reaches her late thirties or early forties, perimenopause and menopause symptoms usually begin. This can mean a woman suffers from less energy, brittle hair, less bone and muscle strength, and a diminished sexual drive. A hysterectomy simply puts this cycle into hyper drive, especially if the ovaries are removed.
The onset of perimenopause and menopause can cause a decline in the production of testosterone by at least 50% in some women. And a hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries will cause a more significant decline in testosterone. High levels of stress can divert the precursors for testosterone hormone production in women over to cortisol production and create a further reduction. High stress levels and a number of prescription drugs can also result in lower testosterone levels for women.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy measures the specific hormone levels in women, including testosterone. Based on your individual test results and as part of a customized natural hormone therapy, if low levels are found you will be put on regimen of natural testosterone and any other hormones you measure deficient. As a result, most women enjoy a renewed sexual drive, more energy and even greater bone density.
Contact the LifeTime Health Center to schedule an appointment and learn more about how bioidentical hormone therapy provides balance for testosterone and other hormones in women.