Testosterone: What It Is and How It Affects Your Health

What is testosterone and what does it do?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in both men and women.  In men, it is produced primarily in the testes and for women it is produced primarily in the ovaries. Testosterone helps with energy levels, mental clarity, an individual’s sleep cycle, and sex drive.  Testosterone has also been found to be protective against Alzheimer’s Disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis-related fractures, diabetes and muscle mass loss.

Why is testosterone important for women?

While it is thought to be a predominantly male hormone, it is the most abundant gonadal hormone throughout a woman’s life.  In fact, a woman produces 3-4 times more testosterone than estrogen daily.  This production starts to decrease in a woman’s 20’s.  By the time a woman is 40, she may have lost 50% of her testosterone production.  With this decrease in production can come many unwanted symptoms and loss of all the protective benefits.

How do you know if your testosterone level is low?

Utilizing a symptom checklist is an easy way to find out if you might be experiencing any symptoms related to low testosterone.  Click here to try our symptoms checklist for free.  A simple blood test can also be done to find out what your current testosterone level is. This information can be used by a medical provider to guide whether you would be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.

What is testosterone therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy can be done with two different types of hormones; synthetic and bioidentical.  Synthetic hormones have a different molecular structure than what our bodies produce and are made from animal parts or urine.  Bioidentical hormones are the exact molecular structure of the hormones that our bodies produce and are made from soy and yams. Replacement therapy can be delivered orally, transdermally, vaginally, injected or through pellets inserted under the skin.  Depending on the route chosen, treatment might be a daily, weekly or quarterly task.  A discussion with a qualified medical provider will help you determine which route and type of therapy is right for you.

At Joy Wellness Partners Utah we have partnered with Biote to provide high quality, state of the art testosterone replacement therapy.  We believe every person is unique and so are their hormones.  We start each treatment plan with a personalized consultation and blood work.  During the consultation we will discuss your symptoms, concerns and goals of care.  We will then work together with you to determine how to best help you achieve those goals.  When hormone levels are optimized, the entire body can function at its full potential.  Call us at 801-999-8356 to schedule your personalized consultation.

References: https://biote.com/women-hormone-imbalance/hormone-optimization