Testosterone. In Women???

The Benefits of Testosterone in Women

Fights depression

Builds bone and muscle

Keeps you lean

Boosts sex drive 

reduces anxiety

Makes you more confident

Supports cognition and memory

Improves hair, skin & nails

Protects the brain from dementia

When I work on women and I get into their hormone profiles, I see a huge lack in many of their testosterone levels.  Testosterone is one of the key hormones in a woman’s body that is more than often overlooked.  We think of it as being a male hormone … but it isn’t just for men!

I hear so many complain about not being able to lose weight, feeling anxious for no reason, no sex drive, their bodies being flabby no matter how much they are working out and dieting, being exhausted!  Although there can be many reasons for the above issues … testosterone levels is often the problem and are often overlooked.  The doctors usually lean towards depression and before you know it, you are prescribed antidepressants, when that is not the issue at all.  All it takes is a simple blood test, but few doctors think to order this test, so thousands of women remain untreated and suffer needlessly.  Things are all to often written off a Menopause (“some handle it better than others”).  Well we could have handled it better possibly if they had the Testosterone level checked in the first place!

Women make Testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands throughout their life time.  It reaches its peak around 20 and by 40, the effects of low testosterone become noticeable.

Have you noticed that you’ve lost that muscle to fat ratio?  The number on the weight scale stays the same, but you’ve become soft and doughy?  The muscles are replaced by fat.  Working out will not help if you do not have enough testosterone to build muscle.  Correcting testosterone can help you increase your metabolic rate and lose weight.  A leaner body will reduce your risk of weight related healthy conditions, including heart disease and breast cancer.  Plus, you clothes will fit better.  Why has this hormone been so overlooked?

When testosterone drops, women lose their confidence.  They can become sad and forgetful or have difficulty processing information.  It gives us our drive and a sense of vitality.  Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression and anxiety, both of which can be improved.  Why use an antidepressant if a boost in testosterone is all you need?  There is evidence that testosterone improves cognitive ability and may protect against dementia too.

I see women every day who would rather do the laundry than have sex.  They just have no interest or desire and sex is just one more chore on their long list.  You do not need to give up your sex life because your hormones are down.  Testosterone replacement can restore libido and put some spice back in the bedroom.

Testosterone promotes protein synthesis in the body.  This translates to shiny, thicker hair, better nails and firm elastic skin.  The bones benefit from it as well, increasing density and strength thereby preventing osteoporosis, fractures, and loss of height as we age.

Women and men with more fat, produce an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen, which causes you to store even more fat.  So you really need to watch your diet, eat more lean protein and vegetables, eliminate sugar, alcohol, processed grains, and artificial sweeteners. 

Exercise and resistance training,

Reduce stress as adrenal fatigue is a common and real condition caused by excess stress.  Since our adrenal glands make testosterone, help them by balancing cortisol and adrenal support (an integrative physician can diagnose and treat adrenal fatigue. 

The LIVER is responsible for hormone activation.  Do a cleanse as least once a year, twice would be better.

Limit alcohol consumption.

Supplement with:  Ashwaganda, maca, stinging nettle, chrysin, zinc, B complex, Vitamin C which all have evidence of boosting testosterone.

You may want to find a doctor who specializes in Bio Identical Hormone Replacement therapy.

If you are over the age of 40, you may benefit from hormone rebalancing.  Biofeedback has positive effects on balancing hormones in the body.  Biofeedback will help rebalance your body without pills and injections!

Schedule a Biofeedback Appointment Today

250.300.8114

Wholistic Essentials Wellness Centre

3585 Elliott Road

West Kelowna, BC

www.beyondawareness.ca