When I think of testosterone, the first thing that comes to mind is a big, muscular “dude” doing bicep curls on Venice Beach. I know its cliché, but it wouldn’t be so far-fetched. One of the functions of testosterone in men is to promote physical strength. What may in fact be surprising is that testosterone is also essential to women’s health. While it serves a different purpose for women than it does for men, inadequate testosterone function in both men and women can affect one’s health. With today’s modern diets, many individuals aren’t producing the amount of testosterone required by the body leading to weight gain, loss of muscle and bone tissue and decreased sex drive.

Testosterone in men is produced mostly in the testes and essential for muscle growth and recovery. Additionally, it promotes physical strength, body and facial hair growth, sex drive and even is said to promote the competitive drive we see in many males athletes. In females, testosterone is produced mostly in the ovaries and is essential in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Women produce testosterone at an estrogen-to-testosterone ratio of 2:1. Since men require more testosterone than women, they produce about 20 times the testosterone. In both sexes, a rapid decline in testosterone is seen as a major marker of aging.

With normal, healthy aging, a decline in testosterone and estrogen in women is normal. However, with poor diets and stress, this decline is accelerated. In men, a decline in testosterone production decreases energy, sex drive, and muscle mass, and also accelerates hair loss, increases abdominal fat and impacts mood and energy levels. In women, low testosterone can also have similar consequences (low sex drive, weight gain, decrease in bone mass, mood changes); however, maintaining bone mass is the most important role testosterone plays in women’s health.

In order to optimize testosterone production, men and women should follow a healthy diet, low in carbohydrates, processed foods and sugar. Plus, healthy stress management and optimal sleeping patterns also help with testosterone balance. You can also ensure your hormones are well-balanced by adding XERATEST™ or XERAFEM™ to your diets. Both supplements provide advanced, all-natural nutritional support for optimal hormonal balance, cognitive function and energy levels for men and women; essential for a long and healthy life.

Help your body maintain adequate testosterone and overall hormone balance! Prevention is the key!

Rocio Ramos Contributing Writer and Fitness Instructor