While you may already know that increased testosterone production in boys causes the changes they experience during puberty, it is less common knowledge that women also produce testosterone, although they produce far less of the hormone than do men. Evidence is emerging that shows that testosterone is important for women, helping them not only to keep sexual interest, but perhaps even ward off illnesses such as breast cancer and heart disease.
Contributing Factors
Women that have undergone a hysterectomy experience a drop in several hormones, with testosterone production cut in half unless supplementation is undertaken to raise levels. Oral contraceptives suppress all sex hormone production, including testosterone, estrogens and progesterone.
A number of medications can reduce testosterone levels. According to psychiatrist Dr. Alan J. Cohen, antidepressants have not only been shown to reduce testosterone levels, but also to induce sexual dysfunction. Talk to your physician if you suspect that a medication you are taking may be affecting your sex drive and hormone levels.
Significance
Testosterone is critical to female sexuality, a key to sexual interest and response According to a 2001 report published in the "Journal of Reproductive Medicine," testosterone is also important for feelings of increased well-being and is associated with reduced levels of anxiety and depression. The article, by Susan Davis, states that women in early menopause due to a hysterectomy are especially prone to testosterone deficiency. This causes a constellation of symptoms, ranging from generally reduced motivation to chronic fatigue. These women may also report having a lowered sense of personal well-being and low sex drive.
Time Frame
Women produce increased amounts of testosterone during puberty, with female testosterone levels at their peak in the early 20s. Birth control methods utilized in the 20s and 30s cause a drop in hormone production, and at the age when females reach menopause, they often have half the production as in their younger years. The ovaries produce most of your testosterone and estrogens, and peri- menopausal and menopausal women not only experience decreased testosterone, but also estrogen and progesterone.
Solution
Because testosterone is secreted throughout the day and peaks in the early morning, you should seek to imitate this natural pattern if you are considering testosterone supplementation. Therefore, oral testosterone is not the best choice for maintaining your natural rhythm. Oral testosterone can also elevate your "bad" cholesterol and lower the "good."
Slow-dissolving lozenges, intramuscular injections, transdermal patches and testosterone gel alleviate some of the problems encountered with the oral form.
Testosterone pellets are inserted under the skin and steadily release testosterone for up to three months. Short of testosterone supplementation, there are several less dramatic measures that can be tried, such as combining some degree of estrogen replacement with testosterone precursor DHEA. Several studies have shown that resistance exercise can raise testosterone levels in both men and women.
Benefits
According to a 2007 article from "Menopause Magazine," research shows that androgens such as testosterone may negate the cell proliferation in the breasts caused by estrogen and progestogen. Another study, published in 2000 in "FASEB Journal" also demonstrated testosterone's ability to halt excess cell proliferation when combined with estrogen replacement.
Women that have undergone hysterectomies are three times more likely to have heart disease than women that have not, possibly because testosterone, a protective factor against heart disease, is often not included in the hormone replacement regimen.
References
- PubMed: Testosterone Deficiency in Women
- PubMed: Androgens in Women
- PubMed: Body Mass Reduction Markedly Improves Muscle Performance and Body Composition in Obese Females
- Life Extension Foundation: Why Aging Women Need Testosterone
- PubMed: Acute Hormonal Responses of a High Impact Physical Exercise Session in Early Postmenopausal Women
- MH Sanctuary: Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Low Serum Free Testosterone
