If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, loss of mental clarity, or even lack of libido. Often referred to as “getting old”, these symptoms are actually directly linked to a decline in hormone production in our bodies. Consequently, these are also symptoms most commonly and successfully combated with properly administered HRT! This is great news for anyone who is looking to dramatically improve their quality of life in the second act of life.
That said, there are some misconceptions floating around about hormones, and in this quick post we’re going to talk about testosterone and why women need it just as much as men!
Do Women Need Testosterone?
The short answer is yes.
Did you know that a typical woman in her mid 30s produces 3-4 times more testosterone than she does estradiol (our bodies most common form of estrogen)? That number should immediately tell you something about how important the hormone is for our bodily functions and well-being. Testosterone plays a huge role in a woman’s body and without it we’d be absolutely miserable.
Here are just some of the things testosterone plays a role in:
- Libido
- Sexual arousal and orgasm
- Increasing dopamine levels in the central nervous system
- Maintaining normal metabolic function
- Muscle and bone strength
- Urogenital health
- Mood
- Cognitive function
How is Testosterone Measured in Women?
One of the questions we’re asked most often at the Florida Center for Hormones and Wellness is, “How do you measure my testosterone levels? What do these numbers mean?” Well let’s go ahead and answer these questions! We measure levels of testosterone (and other hormones) the same way in both men and women, and that’s through blood tests. A small sample of blood is taken either in our clinic or at a 3rd party lab like Quest, LabCorp, etc., then that blood is tested for specific contents. It does take an expert with experience and a strong grasp of metabolics to properly interpret these results.
“The assessment and interpretation of testosterone levels is problematic, particularly as the majority of testosterone is protein bound. Free testosterone assays are the gold standard but are rarely available, particularly in the public sector. Total testosterone can be measured, but for greater accuracy sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels should be taken into account using the following calculation to work out the Free Androgen Index = Total Testosterone x 100 / SHBG.” – The British Menopause Society
A Proper Provider Treats YOU Not Just Your Numbers
If you find you’re experiencing the classic symptoms of aging and you’re ready to do something about it, consider Hormone Replacement Therapy. When you do, be sure you’re working with a provider who understands that you and your body are greater than the sum of its parts, or the numbers found in your lab test results. There’s more to the art of Hormone Replacement than responding to labs.
Here at Florida Center for Hormones and Wellness, we’re here to help. Our mission is to help you Live Your Best Life through our evidence based, custom tailored Bio-identical Hormone Optimization Therapy. Contact us today to speak to an expert about how hormones could radically improve your quality of life.
