It can come as a shock to women to know that their bodies are producing what is often referred to as the “male” hormone. However, an adult woman's ovaries produce about one tenth of the testosterone that a male adult's body produces. Women need testosterone to keep their sexual drive up, and to help maintain bone and muscle mass.
It is difficult to know exactly how much testosterone each woman needs to keep her body balanced and her menopausal symptoms at bay. In the past, there have been relatively few studies done about testosterone in women. Now, doctors are slowly learning that testosterone plays an important role in menopause, and many large-scale studies are being conducted.
Because every woman's body is different, each woman requires different amounts of testosterone to keep her body healthy. It is important for women to understand what testosterone does and how it affects the body, in order to be more aware of the signs of dropping testosterone levels, and to be equipped to handle the changes.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is an androgen, which is a male hormone. As mentioned, women's ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone. Testosterone in men is the main component in male reproductive development, and is produced in the testes and prostate. Testosterone produced in a woman's body helps to increase sex drive and maintain healthy bones, cognitive abilities and muscles. On average an adult male produces about ten times more testosterone than an adult female, but a woman's body is much more sensitive to the hormone.
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
The following is a list of symptoms that a woman may experience if she has low levels of testosterone:
- Decreased sensitivity of breast and genital areas
- Diminished sexual pleasure
- Decreased orgasmic response
- Decreased libido
- Low energy
- Depression
Healthy Levels of Testosterone
When a woman's body is producing the correct amount of testosterone the benefits can include:
- Relief from symptoms of menopause
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced feeling of well-being
- Decreased breast tenderness
- Improved sexual desire
- Increased sexual sensitivity
- Enhanced orgasms
Testosterone affects a woman's body in many different ways, and it is essential to a woman's health to maintain healthy levels of this hormone. Maintaining balanced testosterone levels is essential for a woman's physical and emotional health, so you if think that you may be suffering from hormonal imbalance, consult your doctor. Click on the following link to learn more about normal levels of testosterone.