Monday, April 27, 2009

Testosterone: Not just for Men

Just as estrogen is typically associated with females, testosterone is typically associated with males. But just like estrogen, testosterone is present in the bodies of both sexes, and without it no one – male or female – would be in proper balance. Though men make more of the hormone than women do, and different amounts are needed, both sexes rely on testosterone for maintenance of a healthy libido, good bone density, and muscle mass. It helps facilitate circulation, increases energy levels, and assists the body in burning off fat.

It may surprise you to know that a testosterone deficiency actually hits women harder than men; this is because women have less of it to begin with, so that when the small amount they do have is lessened, the effects are felt more keenly. Regardless of sex, if you're deficient in testosterone – which can happen as the body ages – it can cause disruptive symptoms. For men, this can include erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, fatigue, reduced strength, and an inability to concentrate. Women with low testosterone levels may experience a loss of not only libido, but motivation in general; fatigue; reduced muscle tone and an increase in body fat, osteoporosis, and even a higher risk for breast cancer.

The body's level of available testosterone can decrease as early as the 30s, so if you've dealt with any of the above mentioned symptoms, a check of your hormones just might shed some light on the problem.

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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Estrogen Imbalancements in both Men and Women

Estrogen is a hormone most closely associated with females; many men are surprised to learn that estrogen is present in their bodies. But it is in fact essential for both men and women to have a properly balanced level of this hormone in order to function as well as possible. Imbalances can occur at any time in a person's life, but are most common as the body ages – in fact, it is a low estrogen level that triggers some of the dreaded symptoms of menopause in women. Whether you're male or female, the estrogen level tends to get a little “out of whack” as you get older. In women, it generally diminishes, leaving them with a lower-than-normal level. This can cause hot flashes, fatigue, a decreased sex drive, weight gain, depression, and vaginal dryness – and those are just some of the associated complaints.

Aging men often have the opposite problem: an excessive amount of estrogen, which also affects them adversely. A loss of libido and sexual function, an enlarged prostate, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are a few of the possible symptoms.

No matter if you're a man or a woman, a balanced estrogen level is necessary for good health. There are several lifestyle changes you can make that will help to naturally regulate estrogen production. Eat a healthy diet, limiting coffee and alcohol as much as possible. Certain foods are rich in natural estrogens – soy, flax seed, olives, eggplants, olives, and cherries, for example – so if your levels are low, you can try increasing your intake of those foods. Estrogen-inhibiting foods include cabbage, broccoli, corn, onions, and pineapple, so if your levels are high, it might be helpful to eat more of these.

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