Testosterone: It’s Not Just For Men

Women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm explains why we need this misunderstood androgen.

Testosterone. We all know it is the hormone that makes our men hairy, muscular, and tall. But Marla Ahlgrimm says that women need testosterone just as much as men, just in a much smaller quantity.

So what, exactly, does testosterone do for women? Find answers from Marla Ahlgrimm below.

Bone Health

Brittle bones are not an unheard-of subject for women. As we enter menopause, our body's hormone levels change. Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormones are directly responsible for much of our bone health, and testosterone helps to maintain our bone density. As our testosterone levels change with age, we are at a higher risk of bone brittleness.

Muscle Mass

While very few of us on the feminine spectrum of things want to be as muscular as our male counterparts, we all need muscle mass and strength to make it through each day. Women require testosterone at low levels to maintain these vital components of the human body. Marla Ahlgrimm says that too little testosterone can lead to weak muscles while too much can lead to a masculine-looking physique.

Sexual Function

Men require testosterone in order to maintain an erection. However, Marla Ahlgrimm says that this androgen also plays a role in the sexual desire of women. Low testosterone in females can decrease a woman’s libido and make it more difficult for her to achieve a physical orgasm.

Cognitive Function

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, testosterone is linked to mood regulation and cognitive function, especially with age. Both excessive and reduced testosterone levels may be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm says that lower testosterone levels in women (and men) can lead to difficulty with concentration and memory function.

Red Blood Cell Production

Red blood cells are those that transport oxygen and nutrients throughout our body. And Marla Ahlgrimm says that we need testosterone to keep our red blood cells functioning at their peak. Testosterone stimulates the production of the cells, without which we are at risk of anemia.

Androgens

Testosterone is not the only male androgen. Marla Ahlgrimm says there are others that may be present in women’s bodies to some degree. These include androstenedione and DHEA, which are produced by the ovaries and/or the adrenal glands.

Testosterone is often misunderstood and feared in women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, with a full understanding of what this hormone does for us as women, we can learn to appreciate its function, which is to help us function.