Men and Women can Benefit from Testosterone!

By Anju Mathur, MD

Hormone replacement therapy, where declining levels of hormones are replaced by supplements of these hormones, is benefiting millions of people. They find it makes life less stressful, supplies more energy to get things done and even decreases wrinkles, improves muscle tone and can help manage type 2 diabetes.

Warning Signs

Do you relate to any of these?

Reduced libido

Inability to maintain the function of male organs

Less "get up and go" than you used to have

Loss of memory

Anxiety or moodiness

More chance of coronary disease

Wasted muscles

Overweight

Lowered levels of Testosterone can cause these things. In men testosterone, or androgen, aids the development of secondary male characteristics such as thicker facial hair (beards) and thicker hair on other parts of the body and causes the male voice to change in the teenage years. It also causes a male body to develop muscle and to grow into the shape of an adult male. Most testosterone is manufactured in male glands, but a smaller amount is produced in female glands. Some is also manufactured in adrenal glands.

Results:

Adequate Testosterone

Leaner muscles

Improves libido

Improves mood and memory

Lowers cholesterol

Improves energy

Lessens risk of coronary disease

A man with insufficient testosterone may feel nervous, unhappy, confused, have less strength and muscle mass with more fat in the upper part of the body and have a low libido. This hormone causes normal growth and development in men and is key to developing secondary male characteristics.

The level of testosterone continues to rise during adulthood until it peaks around age 40, then gradually decreases. Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A small amount is attached to albumin, another protein. The unattached, or "free," testosterone may be measured when conditions that can increase SHBG (such as obesity or hyperthyroidism - insufficient thyroid hormones) are present. Free testosterone can also be calculated from SHBG and albumin levels. Usually this is done only at large medical centers..

About 33% - 45% of men with type 2 diabetes have low testosterone levels, so if you are a man with this disease, you might also have low testosterone..

Testosterone in women

Contrary to what some people believe, testosterone isn't exclusively a male hormone. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in their bodies as well, which helps promote a healthy endocrine system and is a key factor in optimal hormone balance. Testosterone is important to rejuvenation, vitality and adding energized years to your life.

Testosterone in a woman is normal, just as estrogen in men is normal. The level of testosterone is considerably lower in a woman than a man, but is considered good because it has been proven to increase a woman's libido by increasing the blood flow to the female organs and enhances sensation. Testosterone in women has also been found to improve energy and decrease fatigue, as well as increase a sense of well-being and motivation to perform difference tasks. During the menopausal stage in women when estrogen levels decrease, many take hormone therapy that increases the level of estrogen. As a result, many women integrate testosterone to their daily routines. This has shown to increase their level of energy, decrease depression, decrease triglycerides, and has even been shown to help with bone density.