You need testosterone

Testosterone 101: The lowdown on this misunderstood hormone

When you hear the word testosterone, what comes to mind? Muscular men and all things traditionally masculine? If so, you’re not alone. Stereotypes (and myths) aside, testosterone is just as crucial for women's health. In fact, an imbalance can affect us in more ways than one. Without further ado, let’s demystify this misunderstood hormone.

Why women need testosterone

If you’ve had your hormones checked, you know testosterone isn't exclusive to men. In fact, it’s present in all humans—just in varying amounts. Women, too, produce testosterone (in our ovaries and adrenal glands). While we typically have lower levels than men, this hormone is far from insignificant. Reasons we need it:

• Energy and vitality: Testosterone contributes to our overall energy levels and vitality. It helps regulate mood and boosts that get-up-and-go feeling (crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle!).
• Muscle and bone health: Adequate testosterone levels play a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density. It helps prevent muscle loss and keeps our skeletal system strong.
• Libido and sex drive: Did you know that testosterone is involved in regulating sexual desire and function? Low levels can lead to a decreased libido, which can affect relationships and self-esteem.
• Cognitive function: Lastly, testosterone isn't just about physical health—it also influences cognitive function, including memory and mental clarity.

The Misunderstood Hormone

When it comes to female health, testosterone remains an outlier. And unfortunately, symptoms of low testosterone are two-fold: they’re subtle and they’re often attributed to other factors. Plus, societal stereotypes often discourage women from seeking help for what is perceived as a "male" issue (*cue eye roll*).

Recognizing low testosterone in women

So, how can you tell if your testosterone levels are low? Below are typical signs:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and a lack of energy.
• Mood swings: Unexplained mood swings, irritability, or depression.
• Decreased libido: A noticeable decline in sexual desire or satisfaction.
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty in maintaining muscle tone or strength.
• Bone Health: An increased risk of fractures or brittle bones.
• Cognitive Changes: Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating.

If you suspect you might have low testosterone, consult your healthcare professional. They can run a hormone panel to determine your hormone levels and explore potential treatment options.

How hormones impact anxiety, mood, and more..

In this episode of Hormone Happy Hour with Dr. Elena Zinkov, we dived into all things hormones including why testosterone is so important for women and why your levels might need to be higher than you thought! If you’re wired, tired, anxious, or struggling with sleep or weight, you don’t want to miss this episode.

We are loving this veggie-egg bake for a quick, blood sugar-friendly weekday breakfast.

This cranberry almond turkey salad is the perfect high-protein salad to enjoy all winter.

Holistic ways to increase testosterone levels

Along with your healthcare provider’s recommendations, skim through these holistic approaches to improve your testosterone levels—naturally:

1. Nutrition: Maintain a well-balanced diet, rich in whole foods, high-fiber vegetables, lean proteins, and nourishing fats. When possible, limit excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and trans fats. Additionally, ensure you get enough protein. After all, it supports muscle growth and hormone production. With every meal, include lean meats, fish, eggs, or plant-based options like non-GMO tempeh, beans, and legumes.
2. Exercise: Incorporate both cardiovascular exercises (like running or cycling) and strength training (weight lifting) into your routine. Strength training, in particular, can help boost testosterone! Caveat: avoid excessive exercise or overtraining.
3. Sleep: As with any hormonal imbalance, quality sleep is key (inadequate sleep can lead to decreased testosterone levels). Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night.
4. Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. High stress levels can lead to increased cortisol production, which can lower testosterone.
5. Supplements: Prioritize your vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium. These are all essential for testosterone production. 
6. Sexual activity: Yes, being intimate with your partner can help maintain healthy testosterone levels!

Our seed cycling blends can help you feel and do your best

Yay for cramp-free periods! We also love seed cycling to support healthy testosterone levels thanks to the abundance of zinc in pumpkin seeds. Check out our done-for-you organic seed cycling blends here!