What is the Significance of Testosterone for Women?
When the topic of testosterone arises, there's a common misconception that it's a topic for men only. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Testosterone holds significant importance for women as well, yet it often remains overshadowed in discussions revolving around women's hormones.
Women's testosterone production differs from that of men. Approximately 25% of testosterone is synthesized in the ovaries, another 25% in the adrenal glands, and the remaining 50% in peripheral tissues. Conditions such as inflammation can disrupt testosterone production in the peripheral tissues. Levels of testosterone in your body gradually reduce as you become older.
Although women possess only about 5% of the testosterone levels found in men, testosterone still has considerable influence over our health, even with the dominance of estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone plays a vital role in sexual arousal, sexual response, libido, bone strength, cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, mood regulation, body weight, and energy levels.
Low libido is most often associated with low testosterone, but various other perimenopause symptoms are directly affected by reduced levels, including depression, weight gain, and muscle depletion.
testosterone plays a role in the following:
Depression and Mood Regulation: Research indicates a significant association between low testosterone and depression in women. Remarkably, interventions aimed at restoring testosterone levels have shown promising results in alleviating depressive symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
Libido: Testosterone exerts a profound influence on sexual desire, making it a pivotal determinant of libido. Studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of testosterone supplementation in augmenting sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction among women spanning various age groups.
Cognitive Function: Testosterone's role extends beyond mood and libido, encompassing cognitive function. Noteworthy findings underscore its antioxidant properties and vasodilatory effects, contributing to improved brain health, memory retention, and concentration.
Weight Management: Maintaining optimal testosterone levels facilitates weight management by fostering gradual weight loss and muscle gain, particularly with regular exercise. Moreover, testosterone's cardioprotective properties add benefits by reducing blood pressure and enhancing cardiovascular fitness.
Increasing Testosterone Naturally
Intermittent Fasting: Leveraging intermittent fasting proves instrumental in rebalancing sex hormones, including testosterone, by mitigating inflammation and supporting adrenal health. With proper implementation, intermittent fasting can be a potent strategy for achieving hormonal equilibrium and fostering overall well-being.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in hormone production, particularly during the restorative phases of sleep. A good night's sleep ensures optimal hormonal balance and promotes enhanced cognitive function and overall vitality.
Supplement with Vitamin D: Vitamin D has numerous benefits, including helping to optimize testosterone levels and supporting a myriad of physiological processes. Many women are deficient in Vitamin D, so supplements or sensible sun exposure are essential for hormone regulation and promoting whole-body health.
10 foods that may raise testosterone levels:
Onions & garlic (antioxidant properties can increase testosterone)
Shellfish ( high in zinc which can boost testosterone)
Fatty fish (high in vitamin D)
Leafy Green Vegetables (high in magnesium which can help boost testosterone)
Cocoa (high in magnesium and flavonoid antioxidants)
Avocados (high in magnesium)
Berries (flavonoids boost testosterone)
Egg Yolks (high in Vitamin D)
Mushrooms (good source of Vitamin D)
Red Meat (good source of zinc)
Whether struggling with mood imbalances, diminished libido, or cognitive decline, acknowledging the significance of testosterone empowers women to manage their hormonal equilibrium.
By incorporating evidence-based strategies, such as intermittent fasting, prioritizing sleep, and vitamin D supplementation, we can give our body an additional pathway to rebalancing testosterone levels and improving overall hormone health.
