Testosterone and Weight Loss in Women

Testosterone is a steroidal hormone produced in humans and animals. It is predominantly the male sex hormone yet is present in women, too. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for increased muscle mass, bone density and body hair, and is imperative for good health. Low levels of testosterone, in either men or women, can lead to a number of serious conditions, including increased risk of depression, low sex drive, obesity and osteoporosis.

Testosterone levels can affect weight. Testosterone plays a vital role for both men and women who generally gain excess weight when testosterone levels decrease. This can lead to a number of problems. According to the Life Extension website, "men with low free testosterone have higher rates of coronary artery disease, mental depression, and dementia." The relationship between women, testosterone and weight gain is, however, a little more complicated than with men. Women tend to gain weight easier than men because of higher levels of estrogen. As women age, levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones, begin to fluctuate. Estrogen tends to become dominant and this can often lead to weight gain.

A decrease in testosterone levels in women can lead to a loss of muscle mass. Muscle mass burns more calories than fat and keeps the metabolism working well, so a decrease in muscle tissue could lead to additional weight gain. Increasing testosterone levels and lowering estrogen levels can therefore help to reverse this loss of muscle. To reap the benefits of increased testosterone, estrogen levels must simultaneously be lowered. Ori Hofmekler, author of the "Anti-Estrogenic Diet," asserts that "there is a direct correlation between elevated estrogen and disorders involving obesity." According to fitness trainer Kyle Battis, testosterone "plays an important part in the metabolism of fat as well. There is a higher predisposition to being overweight in men and women with a fluctuating or low testosterone level."

According to Battis, "diet and natural supplements often stimulate the natural hormonal secretion so that you don't need to follow any extra treatment." Dr. Ray Sahelian recommends getting more sleep to help increase testosterone levels. Increasing zinc intake and performing muscle-building exercises can also aid in raising testosterone levels.