Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that has been
intimately tied throughout time to a man’s virility and
sexuality. It is a major steroid hormone of the testicles.
However, testosterone is much more than just a sex hormone.
With testosterone receptor sites in the brain and heart , and
in fact throughout the entire body, testosterone plays a
critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system, insuring
proper heart function, regulating mood and cognition,
controlling blood sugars, regulating healthy cholesterol
levels, controlling blood pressure, preventing heart attacks
and even reducing the risk for prostate cancer.
The age
related declines in total and free testosterone levels in men
are associated with easily identifiable, classic signs and
symptoms called andropause. Signs may include loss of focus
and drive, decreased libido, declines in sex drive…
Testosterone may be well-known as a
hormone that has been tied to a man’s virility and sexuality,
but few realize that it is also a very important hormone for
women. As women age, estradiol and progestin levels begin
falling as they enter menopause. Testosterone (produced in the
ovaries and adrenal glands), thyroid hormone and growth
hormone levels also decline during this time. As the levels of
these key hormones diminish, profound degenerative changes
begin occurring with growth and metabolism that affect the
breast, vagina, bones, blood vessels…….
.