When you think about testosterone, do you consider it for brain health in women and wonder about the power of balancing it?

At age 53, patient ‘L’ had it all together: two kids in college, married to the love of her life, and a successful real estate practice. Then menopause struck, and her world came tumbling down: sleep disturbance left her tired throughout most of the day with little energy for practically anything. Hot flashes were a constant bother, and she became irritated over even the most minor disturbance. As her desire for sex and love diminished to almost nothing, it caused marital problems, and she and her husband were seeing a marriage counselor. And, if that weren’t enough, she felt she could no longer perform at work. She told me, “My previously sharp brain simply cannot keep up with the younger women and men in my brokerage.”

“Plenty to worry about,” I concurred. “But your symptoms are most likely the result of hormone imbalances, especially the brain fog and lack of libido and we should be able to fix that,” I assured her.

‘The bodies and minds of both men and women change with age, and mental functions are no exception,’ says Harvard Medical School, “and memory is the most fragile mental function.” With menopause, new learning is slower, new information is processed less carefully, and details often slip. (1)

Harvard Health Publication writes, “As testosterone levels decline just when memory begins to slow, might falling testosterone levels account for some of the problem? Higher testosterone levels in midlife have been linked to better preservation of brain tissue and higher testosterone levels have been associated with better performance on cognitive tests.” (2)

“Within the brain, testosterone exhibits neuroprotective effects and potentially may exert favorable effects on blood vessel supply to the brain,” says Dr. Sonia Davidson of Monash University in Australia. Investigating the replacement of testosterone to a number of menopausal women, she found improved visual and verbal learning and memory. (3)

At The Renewal Point, memory and brain fog are one of the most prevailing complaints we hear associated with hormone imbalances. Thankfully, we have grown to expect these symptoms to improve with hormone optimization. In the case of Laura, within three months of a hormone balancing formula, her brain began to wake up. By six months, she felt “back in the game.” Hot flashes and sleepless nights were gone, her energy was back, and “Oh yes – sexuality returned!” She was happily back to her former self.

Testosterone is considered a hormone of virility, but ~ like most other brain and body hormones ~ is actually important to men and women.

TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENT                                                TESTOSTERONE BALANCED

Low sexual desire                                                                   Sharpness of mind

Irritability                                                                                Stimulates libido

Brain fog                                                                                 Reduces risk of heart disease, angina

Fatigue                                                                                   Counters high cholesterol

Memory suffers                                                                       Builds muscle

Lose competitiveness                                                              Tones body

Depression                                                                              Reduces fat, obesity

Flabby muscles, bloating                                                         Stimulates hair growth

Soft appearance “hips and breasts”                                           Prevents joint muscle pain

Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM is an expert in Bio-identical and NeuroAdrenal Hormone Balancing.  With over 25 years experience in hormone balancing, a Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic Endocrinology, and a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine, Dr. Watts has put together a Brain and Hormone Balancing Program that has helped thousands of patients renew their love and vigor for life.  If you have any of the issues that were talked about or listed in this article, we recommend that you stop putting your life and happiness on hold and come see us ~ we can help!  To schedule an appointment, ask questions, or get more information, you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us at info@therenewalpoint.com.

References:

1. Testosterone may improve mental function. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 1, 2008.
2. Testosterone, aging, and the mind. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. January 2008.
3. Can testosterone improve cognition in older women. Mary Panjari. Health & Wellbeing. Monash University Healthline Newsletter. February 18, 2011.

(As printed in West Coast Woman)