『S132 Testosterone Explained: Why Women Need It Too | Hormones 101 with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf』のカバーアート

S132 Testosterone Explained: Why Women Need It Too | Hormones 101 with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf

S132 Testosterone Explained: Why Women Need It Too | Hormones 101 with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf

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In this solo episode of 40s Forward, Dr. Betsy Greenleaf continues her Hormones 101 series with a deep dive into testosterone, one of the most misunderstood hormones in medicine. Testosterone isn't just about muscles, masculinity, or sex drive. Women need testosterone too! It influences the brain, bones, metabolism, cardiovascular system, skin, and sexual function. Dr. Greenleaf explores how testosterone is produced, why levels change with age, the relationship between testosterone and estrogen, symptoms of low and high testosterone, hormone testing, testosterone replacement therapy, and the science behind common testosterone myths. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why testosterone is a human hormone, not just a male hormone • How testosterone is made from cholesterol • Where women and men produce testosterone • How testosterone converts into estrogen and DHT • Why testosterone matters for muscle, bone, brain, and sexual health • How testosterone levels change during aging and menopause • Symptoms associated with low and high testosterone • Why testosterone isn't the answer to every libido problem • What SHBG means and why total testosterone isn't the whole story • What research says about testosterone replacement therapy • Why hormone therapy requires personalized evaluation and monitoring How Does Your Body Make Testosterone? Testosterone begins with cholesterol, the building block of steroid hormones. Through a series of biochemical reactions, cholesterol becomes pregnenolone, DHEA, androstenedione, and eventually testosterone. Testosterone can then follow two important pathways: • Aromatase: Converts testosterone into estradiol, an important estrogen • 5-alpha-reductase: Converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen Men produce most of their testosterone in the testes, while women produce testosterone through the ovaries, adrenal glands, and conversion in peripheral tissues. Why Women Need Testosterone Testosterone does much more than influence sexual desire. Androgen receptors are found throughout the body, including the brain, muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, skin, and hair follicles. Testosterone contributes to: • Muscle maintenance and physical function • Bone health • Sexual desire and arousal • Brain function and mood • Skin and hair physiology • Overall reproductive and endocrine function Dr. Greenleaf explains why testosterone deserves attention in women's health, particularly during midlife. Testosterone, Menopause & Aging Testosterone levels change throughout life, but aging doesn't automatically mean everyone needs testosterone replacement. Women may experience changes in androgen levels during their reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause. Symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, and decreased physical performance can have multiple causes. That's why evaluating the whole person matters more than treating a single laboratory number. Testosterone and Sexual Desire Can testosterone improve libido? Sometimes—but sexual desire is far more complicated than a hormone level. Relationships, emotional connection, stress, sleep, medications, mental health, and other hormones all influence sexual wellness. Dr. Greenleaf discusses evidence supporting testosterone therapy for appropriately evaluated postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Testosterone can be a valuable tool, but it isn't a universal solution for low libido. What Happens When Testosterone Is Too High? More testosterone isn't always better. Excess testosterone can contribute to: • Acne and oily skin • Excess facial or body hair • Scalp hair thinning • Other androgen-related side effects Dr. Greenleaf also explains why testosterone metabolites and individual sensitivity influence how the body responds. Why Testosterone Testing Matters A testosterone number alone doesn't tell the whole story. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) affects how much testosterone is available to tissues. Understanding total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, symptoms, and clinical history can help practitioners make more informed decisions. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: What Does Science Say? For men with confirmed hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy may improve certain symptoms when appropriately prescribed. For women, the strongest evidence supports testosterone therapy for postmenopausal HSDD following comprehensive assessment. Hormone treatment requires individualized risk-benefit discussions, appropriate dosing, and ongoing monitoring. Natural or bioidentical does not automatically mean risk-free. Key Takeaways • Testosterone is essential to both women's and men's physiology • Testosterone is produced from cholesterol • Testosterone can convert into estrogen or DHT • Testosterone influences muscle, bone, brain, and sexual health • Low libido isn't always caused by low testosterone • ...
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