Testosterone is also a female sex hormone. Total hormone replacement means restoring the natural balance of all hormones to the levels of our physical and mental peaks. For women, this also includes testosterone. Even though many women take estrogen and progesterone, they still do not feel like their youthful selves. This is secondary to the lack of another sex hormone ­ testosterone. Even though testosterone is widely known as a male hormone, it is also a critically important hormone for women in that it plays a crucial role in the physical and emotional health of women.

The pharmaceutical industry was the first to realize the importance of this, and they have begun to market a combination estrogen and testosterone tablet. Many women may have irrational resistance to taking testosterone based on groundless fears that testosterone will somehow masculinize them and cause them to grow facial hair.

Testosterone is produced both in the ovaries and adrenal glands of women and is an important hormone for normal female sexual development. Women also lose their libido as they age which is secondary to loss of serum testosterone. Lack of testosterone also contributes to symptoms of menopause and lack of libido.

Replenishment of testosterone in women contributes to the enhancement of sexual drive, relief of menopausal symptoms, restoration of energy, strengthening of bone, prevention of osteoporosis and improvement of an overall sense of wellbeing and zest for life. Many women become very agreeable when they realize that testosterone improves their skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and joints. A small amount of replacement with testosterone gel can make an incredible difference that many women have not been able to enjoy up until now. The correct dose of testosterone replacement will be determined by body weight, age and blood levels.

In summary, testosterone is a hormone secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands and testes which results in increased muscle mass, strength, endurance, decreased fat, increased exercise tolerance, enhancement of well-being and mood. There is an increase in bone density and prevention of osteoporosis, improvement in skin tone and healing capacity, and increased libido and sexual performance. It prolongs the quality of life by decreasing the diseases of aging such as cardiovascular disease by decreasing cholesterol and increasing HDL. Testosterone is a memory enhancer and protects against the formation of Alzheimer's disease. It is equally as important and beneficial in females as well as in males.