Testosterone is an important hormone that naturally declines with age, but can sometimes get out of optimal balance. Taking a holistic approach allows for getting to the root causes and finding natural solutions when possible. Understanding the wide-ranging effects of testosterone allows for recognizing when its imbalance may be contributing to symptoms.
The Roles of Testosterone in the Body
Testosterone plays many crucial roles in the bodies of both men and women. It impacts:
- Sex drive and sexual function
- Muscle mass and strength
- Bone mineral density
- Red blood cell production
- Fat distribution patterns
- Energy and mood
- Facial and body hair growth
Recognizing Symptoms of Low or High Testosterone
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with low or high testosterone levels:
Low testosterone symptoms in men:
- Low libido, erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle tone, strength
- Mood changes like irritability or depression
- Fatigue, low energy
- Hair loss, reduced body hair
Low testosterone symptoms in women:
- Low libido
- Disrupted menstrual cycles
- Thinning hair, dry skin
- Difficulty building muscle
- Anxiety, mood changes
High testosterone symptoms in women:
- Acne outbreaks
- Excess facial and body hair growth
- Male-pattern hair loss
- Deepened voice
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Increased muscle mass
Symptoms alone cannot diagnose abnormal testosterone levels. Lab testing is needed to confirm imbalance.
Diagnostic Testing of Testosterone Levels
Your doctor will order lab testing to accurately measure circulating testosterone levels. This may include:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone (the usable portion)
- SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
Blood samples are ideally drawn in the early morning when levels peak. Results are evaluated in context of the patient’s age and sex.
If lifestyle changes don’t resolve symptoms, repeat testing helps determine if hormone medications may be warranted. Ongoing monitoring also guides proper dosage.
Evaluating Potential Causes
There are many possible causes of both high and low testosterone:
Low T causes may include:
- Aging
- Chronic illnesses
- Inflammation
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Hypogonadism
- Pituitary or hypothalamic disorders
- Medications
- Poor sleep
- Excess stress
- Alcohol overuse
- Opioid painkiller use
High T causes in women may include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Adrenal gland dysfunctions
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Tumors affecting ovaries or adrenal glands
- High protein, low carb diets
- Stress and cortisol disorders
Is Low/High Testosterone a Symptom or a Cause?
Abnormal testosterone levels can be both a cause and a symptom, depending on the context:
As a symptom:
- Low T may be a symptom of undiagnosed illnesses affecting the endocrine system or other health conditions.
- Certain medications, stress, and opioids can lower testosterone as a side effect.
As a cause:
- When low T is due to aging and lifestyle factors, it can then lead to further symptoms itself.
- Low T is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, neurocognitive issues, sexual dysfunction, reduced vitality, and lower muscle mass when untreated.
- High T in women is associated with infertility, metabolic disorders, and menstrual dysfunction.
Beginning with Natural Balancing Approaches
Before considering hormone medications, natural options aim to gently support the body’s innate intelligence:
Nutritional optimization
Strength and high-intensity interval training
Stress-relieving practices like meditation, yoga, tai chi
Improved sleep habits and apnea treatment
Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, saw palmetto, maca root
Vitamins and supplements like DHEA
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
A holistic doctor provides guidance on natural testosterone balancing based on the patient’s unique needs and root causes uncovered.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement When Needed
If optimizing all lifestyle factors still does not adequately relieve symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy can bring testosterone levels back into balance.
Compounded bioidentical testosterone is customized for the individual based on symptoms, lab testing, age, and other considerations. It is administered under medical supervision with ongoing monitoring.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Testosterone Optimization
Optimizing testosterone levels and finding balance is a process that requires listening to the body's innate signals, identifying root causes, and taking a gradual holistic approach. Working with a knowledgeable integrative or functional medicine doctor allows men and women to understand their hormone health and make sustainable lifestyle changes that support their unique needs. While testosterone imbalance can cause disruptive symptoms, natural solutions tailored to the individual often help restore levels gently without necessarily needing medication long-term. A holistic perspective to understanding, testing, and optimizing testosterone aims to enhance vitality, health, and quality of life without disrupting the body's natural rhythms.
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