Despite popularly being a “male” hormone, testosterone is actually prevalent in all human bodies, regardless of gender. While it is produced in smaller doses in women than in men, testosterone is still a vital hormone in a woman’s overall health. Processes testosterone play a part in include producing new red blood cells, enhancing and regulating your libido, and stimulating other hormones that affect reproduction.
Because of the misnomer of testosterone being a primarily male hormone, many instances of lowered testosterone in women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This is especially concerning considering how drastically testosterone production can lessen over time. Much like with men, age is a defining factor in how much is produced. According to the the Department of Health and Human Resources in Australia, androgen (a subcategory of hormones that includes testosterone) production in women tapers off with increasing age. By the time a woman is 40 years old, her androgen levels are about half of what they were when she was 20.
What are the effects of lowered testosterone?
Many symptoms of low androgen production are easily confused as being unrelated. While a single symptom is easy to miss, it’s the collection of these effects, combined with the patient’s age range, that are the real signs of lowered hormone levels. Some of the more common effects include fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido, depression, and irregular periods.
Aging isn’t the only factor that could influence the poor regulation of hormones. The removal of the ovaries through surgical means and the loss of periods through ovarian failure (via stress, medications, or extreme weight loss) can also have a heavy effect on androgen production. One of the more prominent agitators of this condition is hypothyroidism. Affecting an estimated 20 million Americans alone, the condition is more common than many think. So much, that the American Thyroid Association approximates that more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition at some point in their life.
Hormone balance is critical to stress management. Menopause in women, as well as low testosterone, can be the onset of sudden anxiety and poor stress management. Irritability and fatigue are common symptoms (leading to the “grumpy old man/woman” trope). Because this is generally a direct result from aging and hormone imbalance, BHRT is an excellent correctional tool for reducing stress levels as well as the anxiety and frustration that comes with it.
Counteracting the effects of “low T”
Rejuvime Medical specializes in reversing the effects aging has on the body, specifically when it comes to dwindling hormones. We utilize Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to replace the depleted testosterone with natural, non-synthesized hormones. Now, we have the ability to avoid the lethargy and drop in energy and overall well-being associated with menopause and the accompanying drop in hormones.
If you age 30 or older and have noticed any of the following symptoms, you should ask the friendly staff at Rejuvime Medical about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Signs
- Weight gain
- Limited energy
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Sleeplessness
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Low sex drive
- Memory Loss
For more information on hormone health, testosterone and menopause, and to set an appointment, be sure to check out our website or call to speak to our health care providers.
Rejuvime Medical
Baton Rouge, La Office: (225) 960-1580
Leave a Reply