Understanding the role testosterone plays throughout a woman's life.
Do women produce testosterone?
Yes.
Although testosterone is often thought of as a "male hormone," women naturally produce testosterone throughout their lives. It is made by the ovaries and adrenal glands and plays an important role in many aspects of health and well-being.
Most women are surprised to learn that during their reproductive years, they naturally produce significantly more testosterone than estradiol. While the two hormones serve different functions and are measured in different units, testosterone is an essential hormone for women's health—not just men's health.
Like estrogen and progesterone, testosterone levels gradually decline with age and may decrease more rapidly during the menopausal transition or following surgical removal of the ovaries.
What does testosterone do?
Testosterone receptors are found throughout the body, which is why changes in testosterone levels can affect more than just sexual health.
Testosterone contributes to:
Sexual desire and arousal
Energy and motivation
Muscle strength and maintenance
Exercise recovery
Bone health
Cognitive function
Mood and sense of well-being
Every woman experiences hormone changes differently, and not every symptom is related to testosterone.
What are symptoms of low testosterone?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman and may overlap with other hormone changes or medical conditions.
Some women may experience:
Reduced libido
Decreased sexual satisfaction
Fatigue
Reduced motivation
Loss of muscle mass or strength
Slower exercise recovery
Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
Brain fog
Decreased sense of well-being
These symptoms should always be evaluated in the context of your overall health rather than attributed to testosterone alone.
How is low testosterone evaluated?
There is no single laboratory value that determines whether a woman should receive testosterone therapy.
A thoughtful evaluation considers:
Your symptoms
Medical history
Current medications
Testosterone and other hormone levels
Overall health goals
Treatment decisions should never be based solely on a laboratory number.
Can testosterone therapy help?
For many women in perimenopause and menopause, testosterone therapy may improve symptoms related to testosterone deficiency.
Current clinical guidelines support testosterone therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) after a comprehensive evaluation. Some clinicians also consider testosterone as part of an individualized treatment plan for women experiencing other symptoms, recognizing that research in these areas is still evolving.
The decision to prescribe testosterone should always be individualized and based on a careful discussion of potential benefits, risks, and treatment goals.
Why does this hormone matter?
Declining testosterone may contribute to reduced sexual desire, muscle loss, decreased exercise recovery, and other symptoms that can affect quality of life, overall health, and well-being. Every woman's experience is different, which is why treatment decisions should always be individualized.
Key Takeaways
✓ Women naturally produce testosterone throughout their lives.
✓ Testosterone supports much more than libido—it also contributes to muscle, bone, mood, energy, and cognitive function.
✓ Symptoms should always be evaluated as part of a comprehensive assessment.
✓ Treatment should be individualized and carefully monitored.
When to Consider an Appointment
If you've noticed changes in libido, energy, motivation, muscle strength, exercise recovery, or overall well-being, it may be worth discussing whether hormones could be contributing to your symptoms. A personalized evaluation can help determine the underlying causes and whether testosterone—or another treatment approach—is appropriate for you.