Many people have an inaccurate perception about testosterone, believing that it is exclusively a male hormone but this is certainly not the case. Testosterone is just as important for women as it is for men, and the female body depends on it in order to function. Despite a woman's body only producing one-seventh the amount of testosterone that a man's body produces, that small amount has a profound effect on a woman's sexual health, menstrual cycle, mood, emotions, bone mass, and brain functioning.
So, we've figured out that it is important to have testosterone. How, then, can you identify that there is a low level of testosterone being produced in your body? Being able to recognize this will enable you to treat it and get your body functioning normally again.
Are You Suffering from Testosterone Deficiency?
If a woman has a lack of testosterone in the body, it can usually be identified by three types of symptoms; sexual, physical, and emotional. If you are experiencing some, or all of the symptoms below, try not to worry too much. Low testosterone levels are common, particularly in menopausal women, and can quickly be restored.
Sexual Symptoms
- Low libido. Testosterone controls our levels of sexual desire, so low levels mean you won't be in the mood to have sex as often as usual, or even at all.
- Lack of sexual responsiveness. Testosterone controls our sexual regulation so if you are lacking in it then your body is less receptive to sexual activity. Blood flow to the genital area will decrease and there will be a lack of vaginal moisture, potentially leading to painful sex.
- Fewer or weaker orgasms. Testosterone is responsible for the frequency of orgasms so this might be affected, or instead, orgasms will be weaker because the muscle that contracts during orgasm is weaker. This is because testosterone is also responsible for muscle mass.
Physical Symptoms
- Low energy levels. The small amount of testosterone women do have is said to influence motivational levels, so without it your motivation and energy levels may decrease.
- Decrease in strength. Testosterone is responsible for muscle mass, so having less of this hormone may affect the strength of your muscles.
- Weak bones. Appropriate levels of testosterone help to increase bone mass which fight against fractures or breaks so lower levels of testosterone could make your bones weaker.
- Increased fat storage. Testosterone is needed in females to help turn fat into muscle so without it you could see an increase in the amount of fat storage, possibly resulting in slight weight gain.
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood swings. Are a common sign of low testosterone. Known as the 'personality hormone', testosterone can significantly affect a woman's moods, causing them to change spontaneously.
- Depression. Can be caused by a continuous lack of testosterone. Testosterone affects mental health so without it, the body is less likely to convey the feelings of well-being, assertiveness and power.
Recommendation
Now that you are aware of how to identify a lack of testosterone, you can put your mind at ease knowing there is a reason for your change in your sexual and emotional feelings and physical appearance. Fortunately, there are many lifestyle changes and alternative medicines that can help restore testosterone levels and reverse its effects. Follow this link to find out more.
