Careers that Increase Testosterone in Women

Ok, a few years into this hormone health industry and I am starting to see patterns. Some good and useful and others make me bite my nails!

I wanted to discuss the three careers/jobs that I see women embark on that seem to create the MOST hormone imbalance and increase testosterone levels in women.

Testosterone is considered a sex hormone in women and we make it in small levels.

It is important for energy production, making us feel good, sex drive and muscle production.

Low levels of testosterone may makes us feel flat, tired and lack sex drive.

But having high levels of testosterone isn’t good either.

High Levels of testosterone can make us aggressive (irritable), lead to PCO (poly cystic ovary syndrome) infertility, unwanted facial hair, acne and belly fat!

These are 3 careers that I see increase testosterone and why:

1. Solicitors and barristers

In the year 2015, you would think that women had equality in the work place, but for many this is  not the case. For many they are still mixing it with the “boys”. The judiciary system seems to be one such “dark ages industry” that makes women “muscle-up”and be blokey. If they don’t they  risk being trampled on, not taken seriously or bullied.

In order to survive in this environment women need to adapt and wear a “man hat” and maybe even male clothes, male attitudes and responses. I have seen women dress and act feminely  drawing on other strengths and they seem to be noticed too! Maybe defaulting to “muscle-up” isn’t necessary though?

The other observation of the legal system is the “billable hours” concept. This is the system that the legal profession bill per minute spent in consultation. Whilst a great business philosophy it denies women the opportunity to nurture, inform and check up (all natural talents that are important and fulfilling for women). Instead they MUST bill each 6 minute allotment and this feels awkward for many.

2. Book keepers

I don’t know why but not many women can work happily with numbers. Not sounding sexist as I know women can do anything and I personally have a quirky love for numbers and sequences, but balancing books seems a different genre.

Balancing spread sheets, reconciling small numbers, stressing about tax laws, requirements that don’t add value to life, etc, seem to put a woman under stress.

It seems the fundamentals of book-keeping is actually the challenging part and for many it creates stress and exacerbation.

3. Police women and Defence-force women

This is probably a group I don’t want to upset at all. And I love the fact that we can defend our nation, keep our community safety and all that jazz. BUT it definitely changes a woman’s subtle hormone balance. Let’s face it, busting into a bikey drug meth lab on a Friday night, is not really what most women would find appealing, relaxing and nurturing. Some might find it fun, but it might not feel cuddly. And cuddly is what keeps our hormones balanced.

AS I said I am not against women in these professions, they are mere observations and if anything I want women in these professions to understand that whilst entitled to stand beside male counterparts, they made need to do some additional hormone balancing at the end of the day to keep their testosterone levels balanced. Become AWARE of the possible testosterone shift (irritability, intolerance, acne, belly fat, insomnia) and try to mitigate it or bring it down.

These are 3 ways that I know lower testosterone in women:

1. Never eat carbohydrates on their own.

Carbs (glucose) require more insulin which competes for testosterone on the cell’s receptor site. Eating carbs on their own, can increase testosterone levels. Don’t eat a carb-rich meal when at work and always balance carbohydrate eating with proteins.

2. Don’t eat when stressed

When you are stress you release cortisol and adrenaline – these hormones also increase testosterone. Try to eat only when you feel calm and relaxed. Ie not while answering emails, talking on the phone, driving or watching the TV.

3. Switch hats when you leave work

Awareness is a great thing. BE aware when your hormone testosterone is elevated and make a conscious effort to lower it. Deep breathe, relax your shoulders, change hats (work hat – mummy hat), get a hug and increase your oxytocin.

These strategies can make an appreciable and noticeable difference and lead to greater health and happiness. If you want to know how you are tracking with some objective information, you can do my Female Hormone Disorder Quiz here: Questionnaire for FHD (takes approx 5 mins) or undertake a hormone test (which is sent to your home, you do the test, it is returned to a lab, and when the results are in, we organise a time to discuss the results).

I hope this was helpful and if you know any women in these industries please share this blog.