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Sex Hormones And Sexual Function In Women
You may think that your feelings about sex depend solely on experience or upbringing. But you might be surprised to learn that your sexual libido — and even your ability to enjoy sex is strongly influenced by levels of a "male" sex hormone in your body called testosterone.
While men produce testosterone primarily in the testes, women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Optimal levels of this hormone are considered crucial for a healthy sex drive in both sexes. Testosterone levels commonly decline with age in women, especially after menopause, along with important female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
No matter when testosterone deficiency occurs during a woman's life cycle, it can trigger a dramatic drop in sex drive and sexual responsiveness. Interestingly enough, one study has even found that the degree of sexual gratification that a woman experiences rises in direct proportion to her testosterone levels.
The female sex hormone estrogen also plays an important role in maintaining optimal sexual health. If estrogen levels fall too low, women may experience vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy, making sex less pleasant and satisfying. And the combined impact of sex hormones upon sexuality is greater than effect of individual hormones. That's why raising both estrogen and testosterone to optimal levels in women achieves the greatest improvement in sexuality.
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References:
- Kaplan HS, Owett T. The female androgen deficiency syndrome. Journal of Sexual Therapy. J Sex Martial Ther 1993;19(1):3-24
- Persky H, Lief HI, Strauss D, Miler WR, O'Brien CP. Plasma testosterone level and sexual behavior of couples. Arch Sex Behav 1978;7(3):157-173.
- Davis SR, McCloud P, Strauss BJ, Burger H. Testosterone enhances estradiol's effects on postmenopausal bone density and sexuality. Maturitas 1995;21(3):227-236.
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