If you listen to the radio and/or watch television at all, then you have probably heard various commercials for products and services designed to resolve “Low-T” (low testosterone) in men. Most of the advertisements advocating increasing male testosterone levels, at least those that I have heard, seem to zero in on being “virile, vigorous and potent.”[1]
While it is true that decreased levels in male testosterone (a natural occurrence for most males over 30), it is also well known, in the healthcare industry, that deficiencies in testosterone in men not only reduces the libido, but also leads to changes in “body fat distribution,...faster progression of osteoporosis, and frailty.”[2]
But did you know that women also may be prone to “low-T?”
CASE STUDY:
Molly (name changed) is a 30-year old female who presented with low libido, pale skin, weak muscle strength, anxiety, moodiness, random bouts of anger and irrational histrionics.
After just a couple of months of receiving bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which included optimizing her testosterone levels, Molly experienced an improvement of her mood with a simultaneous reduction in her anxiety and depression, improved bone density, enhanced desire and pleasure.
Female Low –T does not seem to be a prominent issue discussed in mass media markets - I’ve never heard a radio or television advertisement for women needing to increase their testosterone levels – have you? But, medical studies, related to the effects of optimized testosterone in women, indicate significant improvements in “bone mineral density, libido, and quality of life...in testosterone-deficient women.”[3]
Healthy young women produce about 250 micrograms (20-30 times lower than male production) of testosterone daily, and while the production may be less, the importance to optimized health and longevity is just as equal for both sexes.
The decrease [in testosterone for women] occurs earlier and initially at a greater rate. A study reported that the average testosterone blood level in women of age 40 is low. Less than half of that in women of 21 years of age.”[4]
Like men, testosterone affects various body systems. Testosterone, along with androstenedione and DHEA contribute to the production of estrogen. “Throughout and after menopause, testosterone levels are diminished from a lack of ovarian production. This impacts menopausal and postmenopausal estrogen production because estrogen production depends on circulating testosterone and precursors in the tissues.”[5]
Women who may be experiencing low testosterone may complain about the following:
- Feeling depressed all day;
- Experiencing excessive anxieties and/or are overcome by fears (e.g., excessive worrying);
- Experiencing excessive emotions (high-highs and low-lows), sensitivities to difficulties/hardships, low resistance and/or tolerance to stress, unnecessary worry and/or hysterical reactions;
- Feeling a loss of muscle strength, perhaps back and/or joint pain, dry skin, and even urinary incontinence
- Little to zero sexual desire and/or pleasure - it’s more of a chore than anything, or even worse it’s downright painful to experience.
CASE STUDY:
Emma (name changed) is a 68-y-old female who presented with various health issues, including, hypothyroidism, back and joint pain and inflammation, fatigue, insomnia, coronary artery disease, and low libido, etc.
After 6 weeks of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, which included optimizing her testosterone levels, along with optimizing her progesterone and estradiol levels, Emma realized increased energy, a reduction in the pain and inflammation of her back and joints, reduced menopausal symptoms (including hot-flashes), weight-loss with improved muscle tone, improved sleep, and now her 69 year-old husband cannot keep up with her in the bedroom.
As you can see from the above Case Studies, testosterone deficiencies can present in pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
What is unfortunate, many of the symptoms experienced may go either untreated, or worse, misdiagnosed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing and/or complaining about the symptoms provided herein, please consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced and qualified Elite Integrative Health provider, whose focus is health optimization and longevity.
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LeNae Goolsby is the Co-Founder and Practice Administrator of Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center, as well as an Amazon #1 Bestselling author, empowerment coach and speaker. For more information about testosterone for women visit www.YourInfiniteHealth.com
[1]Inspired by G. Gordon Liddy
[2]Leake, J. P., MD, CPT, & Greenberg, T. D., MD, CSCS, *D. (2015). Textbook of Age Management Medicine(Vol. 2). Leake-Greenberg Ventures, LLC.
[3]Id.
[4]Hertoghe, T., MD. (2010). The Hormone Handbook: The keys to sage hormone therapies: How to do it and how to solve therapy problems(2nd ed.). Windof, Luxemburg: International Medical Books- Publications.
[5]Id.
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