What Testosterone Does in the Body

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid, meaning it is a hormone that increases protein production in skeletal muscle cells and exerts numerous virilizing effects. The testicles produce testosterone in men, while the ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone in women. The adrenal glands also produce minimal amounts of testosterone.¹

Why Men Experience Loss of Testosterone as They Age

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) regulates testosterone levels because it binds with testosterone receptors. Eventually, SHBG is inactivated as it is absorbed by testosterone. Because the binding capacity of SHBG intensifies in middle-aged men, they may experience detrimental health effects associated with low testosterone, such as muscle loss, loss of bone density, and loss of libido.²

Testosterone also chemically interacts with digested food and conveys the resulting material to cells, where it supports energy production. Healthy brain function also requires testosterone because testosterone affects levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual desire.³

Adequate testosterone levels may also help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, support healthy blood pressure, help correct abnormal heart rhythms, and decrease the accumulation of body fat.⁴ These are a few reasons why testosterone is important not only for men, but also for women.

Top 10 Benefits of Testosterone for Men and Women

1. Cardiovascular benefits of testosterone may include improved cholesterol markers and a decreased risk of heart disease. Research has found that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for men and women may improve cholesterol profiles while also lowering serum total cholesterol.⁵
2. Testosterone may decrease coagulating factors in the blood. When blood is more prone to coagulation in veins and arteries, heart attack and stroke risks may rise in men and women.⁶
3. Optimizing low testosterone levels with bioidentical testosterone may help dilate blood vessels and reduce the risk of hypertension (endothelial resistance). Both benefits support cardiovascular health.⁷
4. Declining testosterone levels in men and women often have a negative impact on mood, anxiety, and depression since testosterone plays a role in regulating serotonin release in the brain. Increasing testosterone levels with BHRT may help support mood by affecting serotonin pathways.⁸
5. Lower testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels may make women more prone to carotid atherosclerosis. Some evidence suggests that postmenopausal women using BHRT may reduce their risk of being diagnosed with atherosclerosis.⁹
6. For men diagnosed with CAD (coronary artery disease), testosterone replacement therapy may help increase blood flow within and surrounding the heart while acting as a vasodilator.¹⁰
7. Men with erectile dysfunction may be experiencing low testosterone. BHRT, along with any necessary medical interventions, may help men address erectile dysfunction and low sex drive.¹¹
8. Low testosterone levels may be a risk factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease for both men and women.¹²
9. Replacing testosterone with BHRT may reduce the risk of osteoporosis by improving bone mineral density. Estradiol and testosterone therapy for women has been shown to significantly benefit bone mass density after 12 months of BHRT.¹³
10. Low testosterone levels in middle-aged, overweight men may correlate with diabetes and increased body mass index (BMI).¹⁴

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones designed to closely resemble the molecular structure of hormones produced by the body. BHRT primarily involves replacing low levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen, the three main hormones responsible for many health problems in older men and women.

Bioidentical hormones are made using plant-based ingredients, such as yams and soybeans, and contain unique substances that naturally bind to cellular hormone receptors. Consequently, your body may more easily accept bioidentical hormones and process them similarly to naturally produced hormones.

Not only may you enjoy the benefits of increased testosterone as well as other hormones vital to overall health, but some patients report experiencing benefits more quickly than with traditional hormone replacement therapy.

To learn more about the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of BHRT, call our clinic today to speak with a knowledgeable staff member.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of testosterone for men and women?

Testosterone may support muscle mass, bone density, mood, energy production, cardiovascular health markers, libido, and metabolic health in both men and women, depending on individual hormone levels and medical history.

What is BHRT?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a type of hormone therapy that uses hormones formulated to closely resemble those naturally produced by the body, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Can low testosterone affect mood and energy?

Low testosterone may be associated with symptoms such as low energy, mood changes, and reduced libido. A qualified medical professional can evaluate symptoms, lab values, and treatment options.

Is testosterone therapy only for men?

No. Women also produce testosterone in smaller amounts, and testosterone may play a role in overall health for women as well. Treatment decisions should be individualized and clinician-guided.

References

1. testosterone functions and effects overview (Harvard Health)
2. sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) blood test overview (University of Rochester Medical Center)
3. low testosterone levels and brain health overview (Renew Health & Wellness)
4. testosterone and heart health overview (Harvard Health)
5. bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and cholesterol study (PubMed)
6. testosterone and blood coagulation factors study (PubMed)
7. testosterone therapy vascular function and blood pressure study (PubMed)
8. testosterone therapy benefits and risks overview (Mayo Clinic)
9. testosterone SHBG and carotid atherosclerosis study in women (PubMed)
10. testosterone therapy coronary artery disease blood flow study (PubMed)
11. testosterone replacement therapy for erectile dysfunction overview (WebMD)
12. low testosterone and Alzheimer’s disease risk study (PubMed)
13. estradiol and testosterone therapy bone density research (Wiley Online Library)
14. low testosterone diabetes and BMI association study (PubMed)