The Testosterone Connection

Thyroid and testosterone hormones are essential to well-being. Imbalances can cause symptoms as varied as fatigue, low libido, weakness, pain, brain fog, migraines and loss of muscle mass, and hypothyroidism is associated with low testosterone.

“Better sex, increased vitality, more muscle and mental agility are just a few of the life-enhancing benefits of testosterone therapy for men with low levels of testosterone,” states Dr. Morganthaler, director of Men’s Health Boston and associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School.

Although his book focuses on men, it is well known that women thrive on testosterone also and start losing it after age 35. “Women who experience sexual dysfunction, dysphoric mood, lack of well-being, fatigue, memory loss, insomnia, hot flashes and incontinence are often low in bioavailable testosterone,” according to Drs. Glaser and Dimitrakakis in their studies. A study by Glaser in 2012 showed significant improvement in migraines with continuous testosterone implant therapy.

Breast cancer risk is a major concern for pre and post-menopausal women. Statistics show one out of eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. In another study by Glaser, testosterone levels in women with breast cancer were significantly lower than age-matched control women without breast cancer. She notes that testosterone counteracts the proliferative effects of estrogen in breast tissue.

Men and women with low thyroid and testosterone levels are suffering needlessly and are at higher risk for chronic disease. Fortunately, levels can be tested with a10-minute reflex test and blood draw. This testing is critical to finding and correcting the root causes of so many chronic symptoms.