Testosterone in Women’s Health

Testosterone is widely regarded as an important hormone in male health, however little is discussed about its role in female health -- what it does on a physiological level or how it makes women feel. Just as estrogen is present in men, so too testosterone is present in women. 

For both hormones, it’s all about balance in each individual body. Too much, too little, and how it interplays with other hormones can all impact a woman's sense of wellbeing. 

In all bodies, testosterone contributes to mood, exercise performance, muscle development, energy levels, motivation/drive, mental clarity, and libido.

So where does testosterone come from? Testosterone, as with many of our hormones, comes from cholesterol. Production occurs in a woman’s ovaries as well as the adrenal glands. Once testosterone is made, it can stay active, convert into estrogen, or convert to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

A common picture of a woman with low testosterone levels is fatigue, poor memory, no drive to workout, engage in sexual activity or even get through the work day. It can be debilitating for women, and it’s unfortunately often overlooked. 

In some women, testosterone over-converts to DHT (such as in some cases of PCOS). When this happens, facial hair growth, acne, hair loss, and irritability can develop. This is called ‘androgenization.’ It’s even possible for DHT to be high and testosterone to be low. 

How do these situations arise? Reasons are often unique but can be related to environmental, lifestyle, and other disease contributors. It’s important to consider someone’s background, symptoms, and biochemistry to understand the root cause.

Even if you have some of those symptoms, never presume that testosterone is low or high and always work with a doctor to check your blood or urine levels. Standard blood lab values for female testosterone range from 15 to 70 ng/dL (this varies, based on where your labs are drawn). And while these values are helpful, again, it’s about the balance in each individual body. Treatment for low testosterone or high DHT varies.

For low testosterone, here are some considerations below that can help raise levels:

  • Adequate sleep

  • Weight training 2-3x/week

  • Well-balanced diet of healthy fats, proteins, and carbs

  • Stress reduction

  • Avoid alcohol consumption

  • Avoid microplastics (heating up food in plastic tupperware, drinking out of plastic water bottles, etc.)

  • Specific and appropriate herbal or nutritive supplementation

  • Testosterone replacement therapy

Always work with a doctor before considering supplementation or hormone therapy.

**Medical Disclaimer** Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.

Paul Terrell