Testosterone has a reputation for fueling macho behavior. But in truth, it's an essential hormone that both males and females produce.
In women, it impacts sex drive, bone and muscle health, mood and energy, and the menstrual cycle and fertility.
In men, it also regulates sex drive, as well as bone and muscle mass and strength — and it impacts the production of sperm.
Some of it is even converted into a form of estrogen called estradiol.
But there's more. New research shows that testosterone has an impact on knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA) in men and women. Using data on 8,600 people ages 45 and older, the researchers found that women with more total and free testosterone have significantly less risk of knee OA and chronic knee pain. (This is not true in men.)
In contrast, higher levels of testosterone in men are associated with more severe hand OA. (This is not so for women).
These findings indicate that women with severe knee or hand pain and OA may benefit from testosterone supplementation.
However, testosterone creams, ointments, gels, or shots can cause weight gain, acne, hair growth on the body and face and mood changes and increase the risk of blood clots.
The good news is that women and men (as their levels fall with age) can help keep testosterone levels up with smart lifestyle choices including:
• Frequent aerobic and strength-training exercise
• A diet with healthy proteins and fats
• Avoidance of excess alcohol, smoking, and environmental toxins such as the hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastics