As a woman enters the transition of menopause, circulating androgens begin to decrease as a result of age-related reductions in adrenal and ovarian secretion. After menopause, a woman’s total estrogen production decreases by 70% to 80%, and androgen production decreases by as much as 50%.

Recently, attention has turned to the addition of the androgens, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in order to alleviate recalcitrant menopausal symptoms and further protect against osteoporosis, loss of immune function, obesity, and diabetes. Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) may represent incomplete preventive hormonal treatment in postmenopausal women because it does not directly address the declines in serum testosterone associated with hysterectomies and age-related gender-independent decline in DHEA. Additionally, ERT may cause relative ovarian and adrenal androgen deficiency, creating a rationale for concurrent physiologic androgen replacement. 1

Testosterone produced by ovaries in females has been shown to be an important hallmark of hormonal imbalance. As testosterone levels decline with age, restoring both testosterone and DHEA to youthful levels, can yield significant health benefits. Testosterone is produced in the ovaries( in women) at the rate of 2 to 3mg per day, and in the testes (in men) at the rate of 20 to 30mg per day.

As women age, the most significant imbalance is a reduction in free testosterone while estrogen levels remain the same or rise.

Testosterone

When excess testosterone is made, a feedback mechanism takes place, which converts testosterone into estradiol. This initiates hypothalamic shutdown, which in turn triggers the production of more testosterone. Our current diet & lifestyle tend to tilt the balance towards higher estradiol & lower testosterone levels. Replacing adequate testosterone with natural testosterone can help protect the heart, improve mental alertness, make bones stronger & revive a lagging sex life.

Studies by Dr Jens Moller, a Danish researcher & his colleagues suggested that testosterone could reduce the risk of serious heart disease. Testosterone has also been shown to improve sexual activity in both men & women.

Testosterone receptors are found in the brain and heart. These receptors help :-
• maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• maintain muscle mass & bone formation
• improve oxygen uptake throughout the body
• control blood sugar levels
• maintain immune surveillance
• maintain youthful cardiac output & neurologic function
• maintain healthy bone density, muscle mass & RBC production.