Besides its function of elevating your mood, testosterone is vital to increasing your libido. It is not the answer for all women experiencing problems achieving sexual desire, but studies do show improvements in sexual desire correlating with rising testosterone levels. Read on to learn how testosterone can affect your libido.
What Is Testosterone?
For women testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It functions to boost sex drive, strength, bone and muscle mass, and mental stimulation. Compared to males, females produce about one-seventh of the amount of testosterone, which is essential for normal sexual development throughout life. Although referred to commonly as a “male hormone”, testosterone is a cholesterol-derived steroid hormone that helps to promote bodily system regulation in females.
Is Testosterone Right for Me?
In a study conducted on postmenopausal women, investigators found boosting testosterone levels was associated with increased sexual desire for lowered libido and reduced sexual dysfunction. Although experts agree it's not a cure all for the sexual blues, there exists a strong correlation between testosterone and increased sexual desire.
Testosterone: Driving Your Libido
Considered the vitality force in rousing sexual desire, testosterone is essential to female sex drive because it influences the ring of sexual intercourse - interest, arousal, sexual response, lubrication, and arousal. After menopause, estrogen levels decline rapidly as testosterone levels begin to taper off. Many women experience abnormally high levels of testosterone during this period, commonly referred to as testosterone dominance. Symptoms of testosterone dominance include acne and change in body shape, increased facial hair, and deepening of the voice. This may result in increased aggression and characteristically masculine behavior in women.
In women, production of testosterone occurs as a multi-step process occurring within both the ovaries and adrenal glands. In perimenopause and menopause hormones produced by the ovaries decline and can result in the adrenal glands taking over control of sex hormone production - if adrenal reserves remain strong. Unfortunately, for many women who experience undue stress, the adrenal reserves deplete resulting in lowered sexual desire.
During menopause women with a healthier, more active and less stressful lifestyles usually maintain healthy levels of testosterone production, due to better adrenal function leading to revision of their sex drive.
Remember your sexuality and sexual energy are both greatly influence by your health and well-being. Understand what's best for you, exercise regularly and try to eat a healthy diet. Click here to read more information about testosterone hormone treatments.