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.

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.

Progesterone Deficiency Seen in Men and Women

There are many misconceptions about progesterone. It is widely perceived as not only a “female” hormone, but a sex hormone, because it is produced by the ovaries in females (in men, it's made by the adrenal glands). However, neither is the case – in fact, progesterone plays a large role in the body functions of males and females of all ages, has nothing to do with the secondary sex characteristics which develop during puberty, and is vital to good health for everyone. It is important in many ways, keeping the endocrine system balanced. But that's not all; progesterone is the precursor of lots of other important components (among them, estrogen and testosterone) that keep our bodies in proper balance. It is sometimes referred to as “the mother of all hormones” because it's converted into these other hormones. Its “all purpose” nature explains why the effects of a progesterone deficiency can be so wide-ranging.

For women, adequate levels of progesterone can provide relief from menopausal symptoms, keep the reproductive system in balance, stabilize mood swings, facilitate concentration, normalize thyroid levels, keep the bones strong ... the list goes on and on. For men, progesterone can increase sperm count, keep the energy level high, decrease prostate problems, even improve the complexion – and again, that's just the tip of the iceberg. This is why it's crucial to have the proper balance of progesterone in your body; it's responsible for so many important functions.