Why Testosterone Matters for Men and Women
Did you know that testosterone (also known as "T") is an important hormone for both men and women? Levels of testosterone are much lower for women than men, but it serves an important role in everyone's health.
Impacts of Low Testosterone
In men, testosterone aids in the development of muscle mass, bone density and reproductive system health. Low testosterone can lead to low reproductive system function, hair loss, lower energy and even increased symptoms of depression.
According to experts, it is common for men's testosterone levels to drop by about 1% per year after age 30. But low T can also be caused by a condition called hypogonadism, which lowers the body's ability to produce testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or the pituitary gland. Consult your doctor if you've noticed any of these changes to rule out this condition or receive treatment if needed.
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal gland. Low levels can cause decreased bone and muscle health, lower sex drive, depressed mood and other side effects. The most common cause of low T in women is menopause, although it can also be due to malnutrition, contraceptives, adrenal or ovarian insufficiency or other factors.
Testicular, ovarian and pituitary gland cancer can also cause low T. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider. They can review your symptoms and medical history and order a blood test to measure your T level.
Causes and Symptoms of High Testosterone
High T levels in both men and women can cause acne, reduced libido, excessive body hair growth and increased irritability and aggression. If you notice more severe symptoms, speak with your health care provider.
What about Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
For men with hypogonadism or women with a low sex drive, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might be a safe option to increase your T level. However, the symptoms of low and high T can also be caused by many other factors such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression, among others. If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned about your T level, ask your primary care physician if TRT is right for you.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Testosterone Level
You might not need medication if you have low T. Studies have shown that low-fat diets decrease testosterone in men, so be sure to include plenty of healthy fats. A well-rounded diet with high levels of carbohydrates and protein is also beneficial for both your testosterone level and your general health. Getting regular exercise – daily if possible – and minimizing stress and alcohol intake have also been found to increase T levels.
Testosterone is a critical part of your health. Our levels decrease naturally as we age, but if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, ask your doctor to test your T level. You might qualify for TRT or be able to make a plan to increase your T levels with healthy lifestyle habits.
