What Does Testosterone Do for Women | Tahoe Hormone Therapy
You’ve probably experienced problems like chronic fatigue, brain fog, a lack of motivation, and even an inability to lose weight at least once in your life. Unfortunately, even today, some physicians respond to these complaints by recommending “get more rest,” and only a fraction of these suggestions actually help resolve the problem. The fact is, low testosterone may be a main contributor to your symptoms.
What does testosterone do for women is one of the most underrated questions in women’s health. Today, we want to dive directly into the importance of testosterone for women, and help you take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
What Is Testosterone and Why Do Women Need It?
From old biology textbooks, most people know that testosterone is the “male hormone.” But in reality, this is a myth that has deprived women of proper diagnosis and treatment for decades. In fact, testosterone is a human hormone. Therefore, it is produced not only in men’s bodies but also in women’s, with a significant impact on quality of life throughout their lives.
According to some studies, for most of a woman’s life, her blood testosterone levels are 10 to 20 times higher than her estradiol levels. In other words, testosterone is the most biologically active hormone in a woman’s body. It’s just that almost no one talks about it.
How Testosterone Is Produced in Women
In women, testosterone is produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands. In addition, some testosterone is produced directly in tissues from precursor hormones such as DHEA. This is why its levels depend not only on age but also on adrenal gland function, metabolism, and stress levels.
Normal Testosterone Levels in Women
The generally agreed upon normal range for total testosterone in women of reproductive age is 15-70 ng/dL. After menopause, this range decreases to 7-40 ng/dL. But it’s important to set some context right away. The fact is that a level considered “normal” by laboratory standards does not mean it is optimal specifically for you. The situation varies from person to person, and even a “normal” total testosterone level can still be functionally low if a large portion of it is bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). Bound testosterone isn’t available for your body to use, so Total T alone doesn’t tell the full story. This is why it’s important to work with a physician experienced in evaluating testosterone in women, who looks at free testosterone and SHBG levels together.
Testosterone levels in women begin to decline as early as age 30, long before menopause. This is a slow, imperceptible process that, nevertheless, is very clearly felt.
What Does Testosterone Do for Women?
Testosterone affects literally every aspect of our lives, from energy and mood to our bodies, brains, and sexuality. According to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice, testosterone is important for women’s bone density and muscle mass, cognitive function, mood, sexual health, and energy levels.
Energy and Motivation
Testosterone directly affects mitochondrial function in cells - that is, how much energy your body actually produces. When testosterone levels drop, so does your vitality. Not because of stress or age (though those factors do play a role), but because the hormonal foundation of your energy has become less stable.
Muscle and Bone Health
Testosterone stimulates muscle protein synthesis and maintains bone density, partly through direct action, partly through conversion to estrogen. Without sufficient testosterone levels, muscle mass is lost more quickly, and bones become more fragile.
Libido and Sexual Wellness
Libido in women is a multifactorial phenomenon. However, women taking testosterone often report a return of desire as one of the first changes they notice. The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) recognizes testosterone as the only hormone with proven efficacy for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.
Signs of Low Testosterone in Women
The problem is that the symptoms of testosterone deficiency can easily be attributed to anything else: work, “just being tired,” depression, and so on. As a result, women spend years feeling “not quite right,” unaware of the hormonal root of the problem.
That’s why girls on testosterone - that is, women who have finally had their hormone levels checked and started treatment - often describe it as “I feel like myself again.”
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms include chronic fatigue, decreased muscle strength and endurance, difficulty recovering from workouts, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and joint pain.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
On an emotional and cognitive level: brain fog, memory impairment, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and a sense of loss of motivation. A study based on the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database showed that low testosterone levels in women are associated with poorer global cognitive function, information processing speed, and verbal memory.
Testosterone for Women: Treatment Options
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that this issue should be addressed gradually rather than immediately resorting to hormone therapy. It’s crucial to understand why, for whom, and how. An important fact about testosterone therapy in women: therapy is prescribed in physiological doses, that is, doses that restore levels to what is normal for a woman. These doses are several times lower than those for men.
Who May Benefit from Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone therapy may be considered in cases of laboratory-confirmed low testosterone levels combined with symptoms such as decreased libido, chronic fatigue, loss of muscle mass, cognitive impairment, and emotional lability. This is particularly relevant for women during perimenopause and menopause, when a decline in testosterone coincides with a decline in estrogen and progesterone.
Monitoring and Ongoing Care
The key to hormone therapy is monitoring. Testosterone levels are checked before treatment begins (baseline) and then regularly throughout therapy. This allows us to maintain optimal levels, adjust the dose as needed, and promptly detect any deviations. At Tahoe Hormone Therapy, we don’t just monitor closely; we use a precise formulation of compounded testosterone specifically tailored for women, rather than a one-size-fits-all male testosterone product. We care about the details and won’t settle for anything that isn’t formulated for the unique needs of a woman’s body. We also use a personalized portal with 24/7 access for this purpose.
Side Effects of Testosterone in Women
Let’s be honest: most women are most concerned that they will become masculine-looking when taking testosterone. So we’ll answer honestly.
Side effects of testosterone in women are generally minimal when the dose is properly selected and medical supervision is in place. The most common side effects at the start of therapy include mild acne during the adjustment period, a slight increase in facial vellus hair growth, and a slight change in body odor. These effects are usually temporary and resolve once the dose is adjusted.
Aggression, sudden hair loss, a deepened voice, and masculine facial features are consequences of supraphysiological doses, doses significantly exceeding the normal range. Such effects are not typical with therapeutic doses for women. At Tahoe Hormone Therapy, our patients are kept well within safe, physiological ranges, so these effects have never been an issue for anyone in our care.
Women Taking Testosterone During Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is a time when hormones behave unpredictably. Estrogen “fluctuates,” and progesterone declines. Meanwhile, testosterone quietly and gradually declines and does so earlier than the other hormones, as early as ages 35-40.
This is precisely why taking testosterone during this stage of life can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to hormonal health. Of course, it is not the only tool, but it is a significant one.
The British Menopause Society and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) have included testosterone in their recommendations for women with reduced libido while on HRT, as well as for those experiencing fatigue.
Supporting Healthy Testosterone Levels Naturally
Before discussing therapy, it’s worth looking at lifestyle, because it directly affects hormonal balance. Girls on testosterone often find that basic changes to their daily routine already yield noticeable results.
What Works:
Strength training (it is strength training, not endless cardio, that stimulates testosterone production)
Stress management (cortisol and testosterone work like a seesaw: when one rises, the other falls)
A diet with sufficient protein, zinc, and vitamin D.
If symptoms persist after 8-12 weeks of lifestyle changes, it is time to consult a specialist and have your hormone levels tested.
This article is written for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. To assess your hormone levels and determine an appropriate treatment plan, consult a certified specialist.
FAQ
What does testosterone do for women’s overall health and well-being?
What does testosterone do for women - it affects energy levels, mood, concentration, muscle mass and bone density, sexual desire, and metabolism. It is one of the key hormones for vitality, and its levels decline with age in all women.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone in women?
Chronic fatigue, “brain fog,” decreased libido, loss of muscle tone, difficulty losing weight, anxiety, irritability, memory impairment, and the feeling that “I’m not the same person I used to be.” These symptoms are often attributed to stress or aging, but the cause may be a hormonal imbalance.
Is testosterone therapy safe for women?
With the correct dosage and regular medical supervision - yes. The safety of physiological testosterone for women has been studied for over 80 years. An individualized approach, laboratory monitoring, and an experienced doctor are very important.
What are the side effects of testosterone in women?
Side effects of testosterone in women at therapeutic doses include mild acne, slight growth of vellus hair, and changes in body odor. These effects are usually temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dose. Dramatic changes in appearance (deepening of the voice, masculine features) are characteristic of doses significantly exceeding therapeutic levels.
Can testosterone help women during perimenopause and menopause?
Yes, as part of a comprehensive approach. Women taking testosterone during this period report improvements in energy, mood, libido, and cognitive function. International clinical organizations, including The Menopause Society, recognize the role of testosterone in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
