Summary: The medical community is finally starting to recognize the importance of testosterone for women.Testosterone is a hormone that is made within your body and helps maintain sexual function, bone strength, reproductive tissue, and muscle mass. You may think testosterone is only found in men, but women also need testosterone in order for their hormones to stay in balance. In fact, small amounts of testosterone are released into a woman's bloodstream from the adrenal glands and ovaries. If your body is producing way too much testosterone, it can cause your periods to become irregular or even absent. You may also have more body hair (chin, chest, back, etc.) and develop frontal balding, increased muscle mass, acne, fertility issues, a deeper voice, a subsequent increased risk of heart disease, and loss of libido. Depending on how your doctor tests your hormone levels (typically through blood work or saliva), it's also important to list off your symptoms. Just because your levels don't show any abnormalities, doesn't mean your testosterone isn't out of balance. If your doctor has diagnosed you with low testosterone levels, you may be interested in trying testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy can be taken in the form of pills, gels, creams and patches. Cecilia Lacayo, MD, shares why testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women, and how women can improve testosterone levels.
