When you hear the phrase “testosterone”, you most likely consider a man. And you’d be right. Testosterone is most frequently considered as a “male” hormone.
However, you could additionally be surprised to know that testosterone isn’t unique to men. Women even have testosterone, and the way a lot testosterone you have can directly have an effect on your well being and wellbeing.
Testosterone deficiency in women can be a trigger for concern, and women ought to be conscious of the indicators and symptoms.
So, what ought to you look out for? How do you know if you have sufficient testosterone? We’ve put collectively these 10 tips and meals excessive in testosterone to reply your questions and assist protect your overall health.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a type of male intercourse hormone, additionally known as an androgen, that improves bone and muscle heath, blood cell production, and your intercourse drive.
Testosterone is a hormone produced naturally in our bodies. For men, testosterone is produced within the testicles. For women, it’s produced in our ovaries, however the quantity is a lot smaller.
The quantity of testosterone our physique produces begins to extend when we hit puberty and begins to diminish someday after we flip 30 years old. For women specifically, by the age of 40, our ranges of androgens decrease by half.
Why is Testosterone Important for Women?
So why do women want testosterone? Maintaining the proper ranges of testosterone is a key component in how our our bodies function.
Testosterone is produced in three areas in women – our adrenal glands, our ovaries, and our peripheral tissues.
The most important role testosterone performs in a woman’s physique is within the correct functioning of our ovaries. Testosterone influences the follicle-stimulating hormones within the ovaries that directly impacts reproduction.
It is additionally important for sustaining our bone strength. As we age, we’re prone to bone loss and breakage. Without sufficient testosterone, you could be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Testosterone can additionally assist increase muscle mass, decrease vaginal atrophy, support cardiovascular health, and reduce physique fat in post-menopausal women.
It’s believed that testosterone can have a direct impact on our overall sexual behavior. It’s additionally thought that decrease ranges can impact our libido, ensuing in a decreased desire for sexual activity.
9 Testosterone Deficiency Symptoms in Women
Women have particular signs they want to search for that may point out a testosterone deficiency. Here are the 9 signs you ought to look out for:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased sexual desire
- Decreased sexual satisfaction
- Reduced bone strength
- Poor concentration
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
You additionally want to look out for signs of an excessive quantity of testosterone. Watch for signs such as fluid retention, acne, facial hair, and masculine bodily characteristics.
6 Testosterone Deficiency Causes in Women
The causes of testosterone deficiency in women are fairly different from these in men. For most women experiencing a testosterone deficiency, it’s most likely due to a number of of the next causes:
- Removal of the ovaries – Also known as an oophorectomy, the removal of the ovaries directly impacts a woman’s testosterone levels.
- Estrogen therapy – Women who’re taking oral estrogen remedy can expertise a decrease of their testosterone production.
- Early menopause – For women who’re entering menopause sooner than normal, testosterone deficiency is fairly common.
- Adrenal insufficiency – When your adrenal glands aren’t working properly, they cease producing adequate quantities of hormones your physique needs, testosterone being one of them.
- Hypopituitarism – Caused by an underactive pituitary gland, this situation causes a drop in hormone levels, collectively with testosterone.
- Birth control – Women who use contraception such as contraceptive patches and pills lengthy run may expertise a drop in testosterone levels.
3 Testosterone Deficiency Treatment Options for Women
Doctors are constantly researching the results of testosterone on women’s bodies. New treatment choices are being studied to discover the best solution for testosterone deficiency in women. At this time, the next three treatment choices can offer assist for women who’re experiencing symptoms.
- Medication – Doctors may prescribe a medication such as Estratest which contains each estrogen and an artificial testosterone. Since the testosterone is synthetic, it may not be the most efficient option for treating low ranges of testosterone.
- Injections & Topical Treatments – To assist boost testosterone levels, doctors may prescribe an injection or a topical treatment. Topical treatments include gel or patches utilized on to the skin.
- DHEA – A DHEA complement is a common over-the-counter treatment for low testosterone in women. DHEA is a naturally occurring compound that helps your physique produce testosterone, so taking it can assist increase testosterone levels.
7 Foods High in Testosterone
If you’re looking for an easy way to maintain wholesome ranges of testosterone in your body, consider including one of these 7 meals excessive in testosterone:
- Eggs – Eggs are not solely tasty, however there are additionally loads of methods to cook them, making them a no brainer for boosting your testosterone. They are wealthy in each Vitamin D and selenium. Selenium has been linked to the manufacturing of testosterone in animals and is believed to work the identical way in each males and women.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – This tasty oil is known for its anti-aging properties, and aging is one of many causes for decrease testosterone levels. The wholesome fat in extra-virgin olive oil will assist you obtain greater overall health. Look for a single-source oil to make sure it’s in its purest form. Drizzle it over salads, pasta, or fresh-cooked fish.
- Leafy Green Vegetables – Whether you select broccoli, kale, or spinach, leafy inexperienced greens are excellent for increasing testosterone. They are additionally full of nutritional vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and magnesium. Magnesium can assist reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, that are each known to trigger low testosterone levels.
- Fatty Fish – Fatty fish is a nice choice for improving your testosterone ranges because it’s excessive in each Vitamin D and Omega 3’s. Those Omega 3’s are the reason fatty fish are so effective. They reduce cortisol levels, ensuing in decrease stress. Stress is a deterrent for testosterone production. Choose from fatty fish such as herring, salmon, tuna, trout, or sardines. If you don’t just like the style of fish, you can get the identical advantages by taking an Omega three supplement.
- Ginger – Ginger is a tremendous root that has loads of well being benefits, collectively with boosting your testosterone levels. Whether you select a supplement, otherwise you eat it uncooked or cooked, ginger is wealthy in antioxidants and promotes anti-aging. It’s a nice choice if you wish to raise your testosterone ranges in a brief quantity of time.
- Berries, Cherries, & Pomegranates – High in antioxidants, these scrumptious fruits are an ideal choice for increasing testosterone. Antioxidants not solely boost your immune system, however they additionally contain flavonoid antioxidants, which assist to hurry up the formation of testosterone and protect the cells that produce it.
- Cocoa Products – Both cocoa powder and cocoa nibs contain excessive ranges of flavonoid antioxidants and magnesium, which assist boost testosterone production. Flavonoids can assist reduce irritation in your physique and contain highly effective antioxidants. To get the best benefits, select cocoa merchandise that are low in sugar or contain no added sugar at all.
We know that testosterone deficiency can trigger a variety of signs and have an effect on your overall health.
However, when you know what to look out for, and add testosterone-rich meals to your diet, you can assist guarantee that your testosterone ranges are the place they want to be.