Testosterone: it's a girl thing too......

Did you know that women produce Testosterone? It is part of the male and female's biological symmetry. The Yin and Yang of the sexes. Its purpose in women is to increase sexual sensitivity around ovulation, a precise and careful way Mother Nature designed our drive to procreate. It is produced in much smaller amounts than our male counterparts by the ovaries, adrenal glands, body fat and the skin. All part of those deliciously rich pheromones sexual attraction relies heavily upon!

The smallest variation in Testosterone can affect a woman's libido. Its role to prime a woman's desire for sex around ovulation is paramount, and at the small pinch it is you may understand the drive that men experience when they produce so much more than us (more than 20 times the amount!)
From the age of 40, a woman's testosterone production will decline affecting her menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels, mood, and libido. Oestrogen being the matron of all female hormones dictates wellbeing at the very core of a woman's vitality.

Some of the factors that may reduce Testosterone production in both males and females are: Exposure to harmful xeno-oestrogens, low levels of healthy cholesterol, heavy metal overload, excessive exercise, stress, alcohol, insulin resistance, Thyroid dysfunction and antioxidant damage. If you are concerned, you are able to have your hormone profile tested. Saliva tests and/or blood tests, or hair analysis will detect a potential problem.

Some hints to improve the natural ebb and flow of hormonal harmony is to increase foods which support their production. These include specifically bananas, eggs, oysters, liver, nuts & seeds, legumes such as beans & pulses, and asparagus all due to their high levels of the mineral Zinc.
Eat a balanced diet low in fried and fatty foods, minimise stress and exercise regularly.

Minerals that are highly beneficial to the production of sexual hormones and appetite are Zinc (as mentioned), Vitamins C & E, and B6. Several herbs which support the Adrenal and Reproductive systems such as Dong Quai, Siberian Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Tribulus and Withania are of huge benefit to balancing and promoting healthy hormone levels in both men and women.
Essential Fatty Acids (the good fats) are also highly beneficial to the production of hormones. Including good quality fish oils, evening primrose oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil all add to the body's innate ability to be hormonally happy and healthy!