The Hormone of Desire
In honour of Valentine’s Day, we would like to dedicate this blog to the “Hormone of Desire,” testosterone. Known for its powerful effect on the libido, testosterone is essential to the sex drive, sexual function, and overall health and vitality of both women’s and men’s health. Restoring and retaining a healthy, youthful level of testosterone plays an important role in maintaining your muscles, bones, skin, and your heart health. It is associated with having positive effects on mood, cognitive function, energy, strength and endurance, and zest for life.
Testosterone is for Women, Too.
Many women do not realize that testosterone is also a female reproductive hormone. It circulates in the blood of women at levels much lower than that of men and is very important to consider in terms of slowing down the aging process. Female symptoms such as low or no sex drive, fatigue, memory decline, and vaginal dryness can be attributed to low testosterone. Low testosterone can lead to muscle wasting and weakness – one area that is commonly noticed first is the chin and jawline as the muscles in that area start sagging.
Lifestyle Matters!
Low testosterone levels in women are correlated with high levels of cortisol – the “stress hormone.” Often, for women who have low levels of testosterone, an increase in weight-bearing exercise, getting proper sleeps, and a reduction in stress will bring the levels of this sexy hormone back to normal.
Food for Love:
What we eat often determines how we feel. Food can make us feel elated, satisfied, sexy. It is no surprise that food has a powerful effect on our hormones! Food can either enhance or interrupt our healthy body processes, either inhibiting or making us ready for love. Chocolate, the natural “Love Drug,” is a mood booster containing phenylethylamine which can boost levels of excitement and attraction. Aphrodisiac foods often contain high levels of zinc, and work to enhance testosterone. Consider adding the following testosterone-enhancing foods to your diet often, and not just for Valentine’s Day, to kick start a lackluster libido:
– Oysters
– Organic, wild, free-range meat and game, including goose and duck
– Nuts and baked beans
What Else Can You Do?
If you believe low testosterone is impacting your health and well-being, and if lifestyle efforts are not working, consider getting a blood test. The results may lead you to the next course of action – seeking advice about hormone replacement.Dr. Maureen Sweeney has been working with both men and women since 2003, using hormone treatment to optimize their health and help them back to their sexy selves.
