Testosterone
Testosterone—For Men or Women?
Many people do not realize how important testosterone is for both men and women. While testosterone is typically associated with male masculinity; however, both sexes produce this vital hormone. Men and women have the highest levels during youth, but these levels decline with age. Although most research on testosterone has focused primarily on men, increased interest in hormone replacement therapy has prompted many recent studies to include women as well. Dr. Lynn Flowers will evaluate men and women to develop a personalized plan tailored to their unique needs.
Low T: Natural Testosterone Declines with Age
Long before menopause begins, testosterone levels slowly decline, reaching the 50% mark after the menopause is complete. Other common conditions can also cause testosterone to decline, including childbirth, endometriosis, birth control pills, depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Some medications like Provera, antidepressants and antipsychotics can also affect testosterone production.
Low T Is Not Just About Sex
Many post-menopausal women gradually lose interest in sex. Research shows that replacing testosterone can improve sex drive, response, intercourse and arousal. While sexual function is often considered by many as the most important quality of testosterone, there are many other significant advantages. For men and women, testosterone can build muscle mass and bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. It also plays a role in regulating blood sugar and supporting blood clotting.
Testosterone Is Good for the Heart
Testosterone provides protective effects for the heart. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of adults. Using natural testosterone can lower blood pressure and increase the good HDL cholesterol while lowering the total cholesterol. It can also improve circulation and decrease tissue breakdown due to aging. Men and women can be helped by Atlanta Dr. Lynn Flowers with benefit from testosterone replacement therapy with Atlanta's Dr. Lynn Flowers.
Muscles and Testosterone
Healthy muscles depend on testosterone, including the pelvic muscles. Loss of muscle tone and urine control is a common and sometimes embarrassing part of aging. Natural testosterone can improve muscle tone, helping with leaky bladders and other unwanted sagging areas of the body. Combined with Kegel exercises, this can be quite effective in strengthening muscle tone and reversing urinary incontinence. Flowers Medical Group in Atlanta can help you gain more strength and muscle tone.
What About Testosterone Side Effects in Women?
The most common reason doctors do not prescribe testosterone to patients is fear of side effects. While it is true that excessive doses of this hormone can cause adverse reactions like unwanted hair growth and acne, most individuals only require small doses, which should be monitored closely by Dr. Lynn Flowers, MD.
Using bio-identical hormones reduces the risk of side effects. These hormones are made from plants and are the same as your body produces. Synthetic hormones (man-made) have a much higher incidence of side effects due to the difference in molecular structure. Synthetic hormones are those most commonly prescribed by endocrinologists. Bio-identical hormones (plant-based) come as creams, gels, capsules, lozenges, injections and suppositories.
The Center for Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine in Atlanta can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. For low testosterone, the plan will not be limited to hormone therapy. It typically includes nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes that naturally support testosterone. Men and women with symptoms of low testosterone should be evaluated further and treated by Flowers Medical Group, who will customize a program for you and your individual needs. Please contact us today for a free evaluation.