What if we told you everything you think you know about testosterone is wrong? Beyond the stereotypes of aggression and big muscles lies a complex hormone that’s essential for both men’s and women’s health (Yes, that’s right—women produce testosterone, too!). 

This powerful hormone doesn’t just influence behavior. It’s a critical player in bone health, heart function, and even cognitive performance.

In this blog, we’re going to dive into a topic that’s often talked about, but perhaps not fully understood: testosterone.

 

So, What Exactly Is Testosterone?

At its core, testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in your gonads (testes in men and ovaries and adrenal glands in women). 

Controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain, testosterone production is directly linked to essential processes like muscle growth, development of male characteristics, and sexual function.

 

What do we mean when we say testosterone is a “steroid” hormone?

 

The word “steroid” generally has a negative connotation, often associated with cases of abuse in the world of bodybuilding and professional sports.

But it’s a little more complicated than that.

Naturally occurring testosterone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid. Let’s break that down:

  • Anabolic = tissue growth and repair
  • Androgenic = development and maintenance of male characteristics
  • Steroid = lipid-soluble signaling molecules derived from cholesterol

In other words, testosterone is just a cholesterol-derived hormone that supports healthy tissue growth and manages natural male sex hormones.

 

Testosterone & Its Fundamental Impact on Men’s Health

Testosterone is an ever-present influence throughout a man’s life, beginning with the development of male reproductive organs in utero. It’s the main driving force of puberty, leading to the voice deepening, hair growth, and muscle development characteristic of this transitional stage. 

But that’s not the end of it. 

Ongoing testosterone production is essential for: 

  • Sexual function and libido 
  • Overall energy levels
  • Muscle mass and strength
  • Bone density
  • Mood regulation, focus, and memory
  • Healthy red blood cell production

When testosterone is low (also called “Low T”), men may experience everything from decreased muscle mass and reduced sex drive to sleep problems and infertility.

 

The Understated Importance of Testosterone for Women’s Health

Yes, women produce testosterone, too! And, ladies, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. While lower than in men, both too-high and too-low testosterone can cause issues with your:

  • Libido and sexual function
  • Overall energy levels
  • Bone density
  • Mood and cognitive function
  • Strength and body composition

When Testosterone Levels Are Low…

Both men and women will experience negative symptoms when testosterone levels drop. Common symptoms of low testosterone include:

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Mood changes (irritability, depression, anxiety)
  • Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Muscle weakness or loss
  • Weight changes (especially increased body fat)
  • Sleep disturbances

 

However, all of these symptoms can also be signs of other conditions, so don’t self-diagnose! This is where our experienced hormone health specialists can assist.

 

Taking Charge of Your Hormonal Health: What Can You Do?

Whether caused by natural aging, diet, stress, or a preexisting medical condition, low testosterone is a very real problem for men and women alike. Luckily, by leveraging an advanced treatment technique called BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), you can quickly rebalance your testosterone levels and start feeling your best again.

 

Take Our FREE Hormonal Imbalance Quiz

Think testosterone therapy may be right for you? Fill out our FREE hormone imbalance quiz to determine if you’re a good candidate for BHRT. 

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Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of the information on this blog or material linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.