What Happens when Testosterone is Low?

What Happens when Testosterone is Low?

Both Men and Women Read Ahead!

Estrogen imbalances and progesterone imbalances were looked at in September and October newsletters. Now it is time to take a look at testosterone. Although it is the hormone that is associated with males, it is just as important for it to be balanced in a woman.

Traditionally in a man low testosterone can be caused by SO MANY THINGS.... This isn’t an exhaustive list but here goes: alcohol use, poor sleep, high stress, not exercising regularly, high prolactin levels, endocrine disruptors like plastics, hot tub use, head trauma, and of course natural aging! As always in Naturopathic Medicine we want to look at what the root cause is so we can figure out the most ideal way to treat. Cordyceps, maca, tribulus may help but so may getting more sleep and exercise depending on what is going on!

Low testosterone in a woman can cause low energy, low motivation, loss of bone mass, and low sex drive. Age, stress, low thyroid function, being on the birth control pill, high prolactin levels, and alcohol use among a few other disease processes. What do women have to do? Get good sleep AND lifting weights! There are also herbs and vitamins in my toolbox that can help. Tribulus and shatavari are just two examples of herbs that can help give your testosterone a lift.

Over the next couple of months build in some time for self-care. The holidays are always busy, but if you aim for good sleep hygiene, eat well, and stick to a simple exercise routine, you won’t started the new year depleted and tired.