Testosterone Not Just a Male Hormone
Testosterone, which declines with age, is one of the key hormones. Testosterone is important for bone building and/or prevention of bone loss, libido (sex drive), energy levels, cognition, memory, and heart health. It is also beneficial in lipid (cholesterol) and blood sugar control. Recent research has shown that testosterone deficiencies are common in diabetics and men admitted to hospitals with “heart attacks”
The necessity of testosterone in men is fairly well known and it is generally considered a “male” hormone. This is clearly a myth. Testosterone is present in women also and equally as important in women for the functions listed above. Women also decline in testosterone as they age. It is particularly important in women (and men) for bone, heart, and sexual health.
In addition to the benefits I have already described testosterone is an anabolic hormone. Along with appropriate diet and exercise testosterone aids in the conversion of total body fat into lean muscle mass. The “spare tire” or mid- abdominal fat seen commonly in middle age is linked to declining hormone levels, particularly testosterone.
As with the other hormones testosterone is available for replacement in both synthetic and “natural” (bioidentical) forms. The synthetic forms carry a much greater risk of liver and or adrenal abnormalities, and potentially increased risk of certain cancers. Bioidentical testosterone has been used in men and women both here and in Europe for over 60 years with an excellent success rate and
limited side effects. As with any hormone, testosterone replacement should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed, trained physician after appropriate diagnostic testing.
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