While most people think of testosterone as a “male” hormone, it also plays an important role in women’s health. It works in tandem with estrogen and progesterone to keep your body in balance, supporting several key areas of your health.
Owner and CEO of RVA Regenerative Wellness, Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C, specializes in identifying and correcting hormone deficiencies, such as low testosterone. She offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as a safe and effective way to optimize your levels.
A decline in hormone production is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you need to live with frustrating symptoms like low libido and brain fog. Here’s what women should know about their testosterone levels and when it’s time to see a specialist.
Testosterone is the most abundant biologically active hormone in the female body. Before menopause, women typically produce around three times as much testosterone as estrogen. It’s a key player in several essential areas of your health, including:
Testosterone fuels your libido, or sex drive, creating the mental desire and motivation for intimacy while also enhancing your physical response. When your levels dip, it’s common to lose interest in sex, which can leave you feeling disconnected from your body and your partner.
Your mood, memory, and ability to concentrate are largely tied to how testosterone interacts with dopamine, the chemical in your brain responsible for motivation and reward. Balanced levels of this hormone promote emotional regulation and keep your focus sharp.
While you might already know about estrogen’s role in bone health, testosterone is equally important for maintaining density and preventing osteoporosis. It also helps you build and maintain muscle mass more effectively.
Testosterone helps the body convert nutrients into energy rather than store them as fat. It helps keep blood sugar stable throughout the day, which provides the steady energy you need to stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
A woman’s testosterone levels usually begin to decline in her mid-30s and drop off significantly after menopause, though fluctuations can happen at any time. If your levels are out of balance, you may notice:
On the other hand, excessively high testosterone — often caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — can be just as disruptive. High testosterone levels tend to show up physically as acne or facial hair growth, and may cause your periods to be irregular or absent.
To find out if a hormone imbalance is behind your symptoms, Jennylle performs a comprehensive blood test to establish your baseline levels. She then creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your body’s specific needs, which may include BioTE® bioidentical hormone pellets.
In addition to clinical treatments, you can support your hormone health by making a few simple adjustments to your everyday habits:
Symptoms like fatigue and low libido don’t have to be your new normal. Contact RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, today to schedule a consultation and learn where your hormone levels stand.
