Many people believe that testosterone is exclusively a male hormone, but the reality is that
women’s bodies also make testosterone, just in a different ratio. Men’s bodies produce 95 percent testosterone, and 5 percent estrogen; women’s produce 60 percent estrogen, and 40 percent testosterone. Many commonly prescribed drugs like oral contraceptives, antidepressants and opiates can rob our bodies of testosterone. With that in mind, here are ten things you probably never knew about women and testosterone deficiencies.
1) Women’s bodies make a lot of testosterone and it affects our libido, mood, weight, memory
and many other body processes.
2) You are never too young to have hormone deficiencies or a hormonal imbalance.
3) You can still be having your period and have underlying hormonal deficiencies – especially if you’re taking oral contraceptives or in perimenopause.
4) Doctors may tell you that you are depressed – but since testosterone has an impact on moods
and energy levels, you may be having symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
5) Hormones levels rise and fall during different phases of the menstrual cycle, so your
hormone levels may appear to be normal on the day of testing, but actually be less than
optimal.
6) Gynecologists are no more trained at diagnosing hormone deficiencies than any other
general primary care practitioner. Hard to believe, but it’s true. Seek out a specialist.
7) Irregular periods and bleeding are the hallmarks of estrogen deficiency. Once you begin
experiencing menstrual irregularities, you’re already completely testosterone deficient.
8) Testosterone helps drives thyroid function and helps us metabolize glucose. Deficiency slows
your metabolism and you’ll begin to gain weight, especially around the middle.
9) The ovaries make around 90 percent of the testosterone your body needs to function well;
the other 10 percent is made by the adrenal glands. While levels decline naturally as we
age, our ovaries don’t “retire” overnight. This is usually a slow, gradual process over a
decade and you can start having symptoms during this time.
10) Hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone supplementation is NOT dangerous if done properly. Make sure your doctor is using bioidentical hormones. Testosterone is NEVER
taken orally.
Recognize any of these signs or symptoms? Call our office for an appointment: 480.619.4097