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Testosterone: The Sexy Hormone

Debora Myers

Testosterone is the major hormone responsible for our sex drives. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands and experience a drop in both estrogen and testosterone levels with the onset of menopause or from menopause caused from chemotherapy or the removal of the ovaries. For many women, a loss of libido is connected to this dramatic loss of hormones.

Testosterone, responsible for the sex drive in both women and men, diminishes as we grow older.

Many women also report that lower testosterone levels lesson the intensity and frequency of sexual fantasies. They just don't have the urge anymore, which affects their intimate relationships with their mates, which can cause much distress as the sexual bond diminishes. Between the ages of 20-40 our testosterone levels drop by 50%. When we hit menopause we lose another 30-50%. Many of us who rely on medications such as certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and some drugs that lower blood pressure are under double jeopardy, as these can lower testosterone levels also.

Lower testosterone levels are also responsible for lack of sensitivity in the nipples and clitoris, which can impede many women from achieving orgasm. Physical examples of lowered testosterone show themselves through loss of pubic hair, dry skin and the shrinking of genital tissue. Muscle tone decreases dramatically as our testosterone levels decline.

Men also are subject to a 35% testosterone loss between the ages of 20 and 80. The amount of androgens (male hormones) steadily decreases after the age of 25. Lowered levels of testosterone cause penis shrinkage and loss of libido. Men also suffer from decreased muscle tone, moodiness and depression as their testosterone levels decline.

Many people experiencing these symptoms from plunging hormonal levels are turning to hormone replacement therapy, which can have positive results in getting their libidos back to normal. Many physicians are reluctant to use synthetic hormone replacement therapy because of the many possible side effects and the lack of long- term clinical studies. They've found that the side effects include: acne, unwanted facial hair, oily skin, and the concern that testosterone has a tendency to lower the HDL (the good) Cholesterol levels, especially when taken in pill form. According to Brian Walsh, MD from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, 50% of women taking testosterone notice no change in their libido. In rare cases, testosterone taken in pill form can impair liver function.

Testosterone is not going to help someone suffering from years of sexual incompatibility or dissatisfaction. The general agreement from many studies show that testosterone causes a decrease in sexual inhibition and increases the sex drive. So many people believe the benefits of increased libido outweigh the side effects and enjoy the new-found help for their lagging desires! You and your doctor must make the decision jointly whether hormone replacement therapy is for you.

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