Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is testosterone?

A hormone in both men and women. Testosterone is a hormone found in humans, as well as in other animals. The testicles primarily make testosterone in men. Women’s ovaries also make testosterone, though in much smaller amounts. Testosterone production starts to increase significantly during puberty, and begins to dip after age 30 or so.

Testosterone is most often associated with sex drive, and plays a vital role in sperm production. But it also affects bone and muscle mass, the way men store fat in the body, and even red blood cell production. A man’s testosterone levels can also affect his mood.

Low levels of testosterone can produce a variety of symptoms in men, including:

• decreased sex drive
• less energy
• weight gain
• feelings of depression
• moodiness
• low self-esteem
• less body hair
• thinner bones

Testosterone in Women

Testosterone is a male sex hormone, or androgen, produced in a woman’s ovaries in small amounts. Combined with estrogen, the female sex hormone, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviors.

Some of the symptoms associated with low testosterone in women include:

• low sexual desire
• low sexual satisfaction
• depressed mood
• lethargy
• muscle weakness

Testing testosterone

A simple blood test can determine testosterone levels. There is a wide range of “normal” or healthy level of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. The normal range of testosterone for men is between 250 and 1100 ng/dL for adult males, and between 8 and 60 ng/dL for adult females, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ask The Health & Wellness Center to test your testosterone levels if you have concerns about low testosterone (low T).

Testosterone replacement therapy

Reduced testosterone production, a condition known as hypogonadism. You may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy if low T is interfering with your health and quality of life. Replacement therapy produces desired results, such as greater muscle mass and a stronger sex drive.