When most people hear "testosterone," they immediately think of men. It's been branded as “the male hormone,” responsible for everything from muscle growth to sex drive in men. But here's something that might surprise you: women need testosterone too.
That's right—the hormone most associated with masculinity also plays a crucial role in your body. In fact, women who lose their testosterone often experience significant health issues that can dramatically affect their quality of life.
In this article, you’ll learn what testosterone does in women’s bodies and what happens when levels drop too low.
The Truth About Testosterone in Women's Bodies
Women naturally produce testosterone—just in smaller amounts than men do. While men typically have 300–1000 ng/dL of testosterone in their blood, women usually have between 15-70 ng/dL. This might seem like a tiny amount compared to men, but it's absolutely essential for women's health.
Your ovaries produce about 25% of your testosterone, while your adrenal glands (small glands sitting on top of your kidneys) produce another 25%. The remaining 50% comes from the conversion of other hormones in your tissues. Issues with either your ovaries or adrenal glands can impact your testosterone levels.
After menopause, testosterone production decreases but doesn't disappear entirely. Your adrenal glands continue making testosterone, and your ovaries produce small amounts even after menopause. However, many women experience a significant drop in testosterone during the menopausal transition, which can contribute to various symptoms.
The Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
Unlike the dramatic hormone shifts of menopause that affect estrogen and progesterone, testosterone decline is often more gradual and subtle. Women can experience low testosterone at any age, though it becomes increasingly common after 40.
Signs that your testosterone might be too low include:
● Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
● Decreased sexual desire or satisfaction
● Trouble building or maintaining muscle despite regular exercise
● Stubborn weight gain around your midsection (visceral fat)
● Brain fog and memory issues
● Mood swings or changes
Contrary to common belief, birth control pills can sometimes lower testosterone by increasing levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable for use in your body.
This is why some women notice changes in libido, energy, or mood when starting hormonal contraceptives.
Chronic stress (adrenal fatigue) is another common testosterone-depleter in women. When you're constantly stressed, your body produces more cortisol (your primary stress hormone), which can suppress testosterone production.
This creates a frustrating cycle where low testosterone makes you less resilient to stress, which further lowers your testosterone.
What Testosterone Does for Women's Health
Despite its reputation as a male hormone, testosterone affects numerous aspects of women's physical and mental health.
Energy
Energy and mental clarity are significantly influenced by testosterone in women. Many women with low testosterone report persistent fatigue and mental fogginess that doesn't improve with sleep.
Testosterone helps maintain your brain's neurotransmitter balance and supports your mitochondria, which are heavily involved in your cells’ ability to generate energy.
Sex Drive
Sexual health and desire also depend partly on testosterone. This hormone drives sexual interest and arousal in women, just as it does in men (though in different ways).
Women with healthy testosterone levels typically report better sexual satisfaction, more frequent sexual thoughts, and greater arousal capacity than those with low levels.
Muscle and Bone
Muscle strength and bone health both rely on adequate testosterone. This hormone helps you maintain lean muscle mass and contributes to bone density in both sexes.
Women with low testosterone often notice decreasing strength and may face higher risks of osteoporosis and fractures.
Your body composition also might change when your testosterone levels drop because testosterone helps regulate where and how much fat your body stores. Women might notice increased body fat, especially belly fat, and more difficulty maintaining muscle tone.
Mood
Mood stability is linked to testosterone levels in many women. Low testosterone can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Many women describe feeling "flat" emotionally when their testosterone is low—not necessarily depressed, but lacking their usual emotional resilience and joy.
Cardiovascular Health
Finally, your heart benefits from appropriate testosterone levels. Research suggests that testosterone helps maintain healthy blood vessels, supports heart muscle function, and may even provide some protection against cardiovascular disease in women.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
Testosterone replacement therapy is an option for women with confirmed low levels and symptoms. Unlike the higher doses used for men, women typically need much smaller, precisely calibrated amounts (about 1/10th what men need).
Testosterone for women is most commonly prescribed as a cream or gel applied to the skin, though some providers use small pellets inserted under the skin that release testosterone slowly over several months.
When properly prescribed and monitored, testosterone therapy for women with low levels can dramatically improve energy, mood, sexual function, body composition, and overall quality of life. Side effects are minimal with appropriate dosing, though regular monitoring is important.
If You’re a Woman Experiencing the Symptoms of Low Testosterone, We Can Help
Living with low testosterone doesn't mean accepting a lower quality of life. With proper support and treatment, you can maintain your quality of life and get relief from your symptoms.
Learn how HRT for women can alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone, menopause, and more. You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss getting your hormone levels tested.