Testosterone is produced by the gonads (by the Leydig cells in testes in men and by the ovaries in women), although small quantities are also produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes. It is an androgen, meaning that it stimulates the development of male characteristics. Present in much greater levels in men than women but in women  Combined with estrogen, the female sex hormone, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman's reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviors. This hormone also signals the body to make new blood cells, ensures that muscles and bones stay strong during and after puberty and enhances libido both in men and women. About 10% of the testosterone in the bodies of both men and women is converted into dihydrotestosterone in adults, with a much higher amount in puberty. This may be why it is so closely related to the triggering of puberty. The dihydrotestosterone hormone is much more powerful than testosterone. During menopause, your body's production progesterone can decline. Alongside this decline in female hormone production, your sensitivity to male hormones such as DHT can increase. Progesterone can help reduce the conversion to DHT. Talk to your doctor about replacing your progesterone in perimenopause with natural bioidentical progesterone cream.

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