Testosterone deficiency is the most often overlooked female hormone imbalance and the most common imbalance I see.
Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as in peripheral tissues (from precursor hormones produced in the ovaries and adrenals), a woman’s testosterone generally reaches its highest level during young adulthood.
Production of the hormone decreases over time, falling to roughly 50 percent of its peak by the time she has reached menopause. Although her ovaries will cease to produce estrogen at this point, they will continue to produce smaller amounts of testosterone, as will her adrenal glands.
That the hormone continues to play a role in her body’s functioning means an imbalance can wreak havoc in various ways. Testosterone deficiency can give rise to an array of symptoms, from weight gain to diminished libido (see box below). And it can take hold in women of any age.
Menopause and menopause-related estrogen dominance can contribute to a testosterone deficiency. But birth control pills can also do this,
