Testosterone is considered a crucial hormone for a healthy sex drive in women as well as men. Studies show that testosterone deficiency in women is accompanied by a dramatic drop in sex drive and sexual responsiveness.1 One group of researchers also found that sexual gratification in women directly correlated with their testosterone levels.2

A more recent preliminary study from a team of Dutch researchers finds that testosterone may also have specific physiological effects on vaginal arousal. Women who were given testosterone supplements showed markedly higher degrees of genital sensations and arousal in response to visual stimulus, compared to those given a placebo.3 Testosterone appears to stimulate neurons in the brain that activate the nervous system - which plays a major role in female sexual response.

Sexual dysfunction is estimated to affect 43% of women. For women, testosterone shows clear clinical potential for treating the two most common types of female sexual dysfunction: low sex drive (22%) and sexual arousal problems (14%).4

Estrogen also plays in important role in female sexuality. Declining levels of estrogen can promote vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy. For that reason, estradiol and testosterone together exert a stronger influence on female sexuality than either hormone does by itself.5

Imbalances of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can be revealed using the Essence Menopause (3 samples collected over a 5-day period) or the Essence Rhythm (11 samples over a 28-day cycle, with additional assays of melatonin, DHEA, and cortisol for the comprehensive version).

Essence provides a focused overview of hormonal balance in both pre- and post-menopausal women, using a single serum sample to evaluate dynamics of sex steroid metabolism that can profoundly affect a woman's health throughout her lifetime.

References
1 Kaplan HS, Owett T. Journal of Sexual Therapy;1993:3-24.
2 Persky H, Lief HI, Strauss D, Miller WR, O'Brien CP. Arch Sex Behav;1978;7(3):157-173.

3 Tuiten A, Van Honk J, Koppeschaar H, Bernaards C, Thijseen J, Verbaten R. Time course of effects of testosterone administration on sexual arousal in women. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2000;57:149-153.

4 Yates WR. Testosterone: risks and benefits [editorial]. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2000;157:155-156.

5 Davis SR, McCloud P, Strauss BJ, Burger H. Maturitas 1995;21(3):227-236.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

Teresa Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition, is a licensed Acupuncturist and clinical researcher. She has been in practice for well over 25 years. It is through her clinical practice that she has gained insights into chronic health conditions. If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and go you owe it to yourself to find out why. Find out today call for a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.

Your happiness is a reflection of your health call today For an appointment, contact her office at (800) 956-7083 or (818) 707-3125.

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The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.