What Does Testosterone Do for Women? Benefits, Roles & How to Manage Levels

When most people hear “testosterone,” they think of men, but testosterone for women is just as important. While it’s produced in much smaller amounts in women, this hormone plays a key role in energy, mood, muscle tone, sex drive and overall vitality.

Keep reading to learn more about testosterone for women, what testosterone does for women, signs of deficiency, benefits of testosterone for women, and how to boost testosterone levels naturally and safely.

What does testosterone do for women?

Although commonly known as a male hormone, testosterone is essential for women’s health. It’s produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and peripheral tissues.

Here are the primary roles it plays in the female body:

• Supports sex drive (libido)
• Helps maintain bone density and muscle mass
• Influences mood, motivation and cognitive function
• Affects fat distribution and metabolic health
• Plays a role in ovarian function and fertility

Understanding what testosterone does for women is the first step in recognizing how critical this hormone is not just for physical health, but also for emotional and mental well-being.

Why might women have low testosterone?

Women naturally experience a decline in testosterone with age, especially during perimenopause through menopause and beyond. However, low testosterone in women can also result from medical conditions or lifestyle factors as well.

Common causes include:

• Aging and menopause
• Surgical removal of ovaries
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Chronic stress or high cortisol levels
• Certain medications (e.g., steroids, birth control)
• Pituitary or ovarian disorders

Commons symptoms of low T in women include:

• Decreased libido
• Fatigue and low energy
• Mood swings or depression
• Loss of muscle tone
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive difficulties (brain fog)

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Benefits of testosterone for women

The benefits of testosterone for women go far beyond sex drive. Whether it’s through natural optimization or hormone replacement therapy, maintaining balanced testosterone levels can improve overall quality of life.

Testosterone, though typically associated with male physiology, plays a crucial role in women’s health by influencing energy levels, stamina, mood and overall well-being. Testosterone for women contributes to muscle strength, bone density, cognitive function and libido.

As women age, particularly during and after menopause, natural testosterone levels decline, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced stamina and decreased motivation. Luckily, there are many ways to increase levels and take advantage of the following benefits of testosterone for women:

1. Boosts energy and stamina

Testosterone supports energy and stamina through several mechanisms:

• Muscle strength and mass: Testosterone for women promotes muscle protein synthesis, leading to increased muscle mass and strength, which can enhance physical performance and endurance.
• Red blood cell production: Testosterone for women stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing red blood cell count and improving oxygen delivery to tissues, thereby reducing fatigue and enhancing stamina.
• Mood and motivation: Adequate testosterone levels are associated with improved mood, motivation and cognitive function, which can indirectly boost energy levels and the willingness to engage in physical activity.

A study published in 2020 examined the hormonal responses of 10 healthy women to exhaustive endurance exercise. Results showed significant increases in total (56 percent), free (36 percent) and bioavailable testosterone (50 percent) immediately post-exercise, indicating that testosterone plays a role in the acute adaptation to endurance activities.

These hormonal changes are comparable to responses seen in men, suggesting that testosterone for women also contributes to energy and stamina during prolonged physical exertion.

In another study involving 18 female ultra-endurance athletes, researchers found that fluctuations in endogenous testosterone levels were correlated with muscle fatigue and damage post-race. Higher testosterone levels appeared to have a protective effect against muscle damage and severe fatigue, highlighting its role in sustaining energy and facilitating recovery in endurance sports.

2. May improve sexual desire and satisfaction

Testosterone plays a significant role in female sexual health, particularly in enhancing sexual desire and satisfaction. Although often associated with male physiology, testosterone is also produced in women and contributes to various aspects of sexual function.

In women, testosterone influences sexual desire, arousal and overall sexual satisfaction. Declining testosterone levels, especially during and after menopause, can lead to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), characterized by a persistent lack of sexual interest causing personal distress.

Supplementing testosterone in women with HSDD has been shown to improve sexual function through several mechanisms:

• Neurotransmitter modulation: Testosterone for women affects brain regions involved in sexual motivation and reward, enhancing libido.
• Sensory receptor sensitivity: It may increase sensitivity in erogenous zones, improving sexual arousal and satisfaction.
• Mood and energy levels: By improving mood and reducing fatigue, testosterone for women can indirectly enhance sexual desire.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the efficacy of a 300 micrograms a day testosterone patch in postmenopausal women with HSDD not receiving estrogen therapy. The treatment group experienced a significant increase in the frequency of satisfying sexual episodes (an increase of 2.1 episodes per month) compared to the placebo group (0.7 episodes per month).

Additionally, improvements were noted in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and overall pleasure, along with a reduction in personal distress. The study concluded that testosterone therapy could be beneficial for improving sexual function in this population.

A comprehensive meta-analysis encompassing 36 randomized, controlled trials with a total of 8,480 postmenopausal women assessed the impact of testosterone therapy on sexual function. The analysis found that testosterone treatment significantly improved various aspects of sexual function, including the frequency of satisfying sexual events, sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, responsiveness and self-image.

Furthermore, it reduced distress related to sexual functioning and sexual concerns. The study also noted that while some androgenic side effects like acne and hair growth were more common with testosterone therapy, there was no increase in serious adverse events.

3. Helps build lean muscle and strength

Testosterone plays a role in muscle development and strength. Research has indicated that bioavailable testosterone, rather than total testosterone, may be associated with muscle mass and strength in women.

Testosterone for women contributes to muscle development through:

• Androgen receptor activation: Testosterone binds to androgen receptors in muscle tissue, promoting protein synthesis and muscle growth.
• Influence on muscle fiber size: It may affect the size of muscle fibers, contributing to increased muscle mass.
• Interaction with other hormones: Testosterone interacts with other hormones, such as growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, which are involved in muscle development.

A 2024 study involving 27 pre-menopausal women undergoing a 12-week resistance training program found that bioavailable testosterone levels were positively associated with increases in muscle mass and strength. Total testosterone levels did not show this association.

In another proof-of-concept study, testosterone administration in women with low testosterone levels post-hysterectomy led to increases in lean body mass and muscle strength over 24 weeks, suggesting anabolic effects of testosterone in this population.

4. Can lower fat mass and help manage weight

Testosterone plays a role in body composition by influencing fat distribution and lean muscle mass. Research has revealed that testosterone therapy may help reduce fat mass and assist in weight management for women, particularly those who are postmenopausal or have low testosterone levels.

Testosterone can impact body composition through several mechanisms:

• Reduction of abdominal fat: Testosterone may decrease visceral fat, which is associated with metabolic health risks.
• Increase in lean muscle mass: By promoting muscle protein synthesis, testosterone can enhance lean body mass, which in turn can boost basal metabolic rate and aid in weight management.
• Improvement in insulin sensitivity: Testosterone may influence insulin sensitivity, affecting how the body stores and utilizes fat.

One study investigated the effects of topically applied androgen on body composition in postmenopausal women with unexplained weight gain. The results showed significant reductions in total body weight, abdominal fat, gluteo-femoral fat and overall body fat percentage in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.

Another study examined the dose-dependent effects of testosterone on body composition in hysterectomized women with low testosterone levels. Participants receiving higher doses of testosterone enanthate showed significant increases in lean body mass and reductions in fat mass over a 24-week period.

This indicates that testosterone therapy can favorably alter body composition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass.

5. May enhance mental clarity, focus and mood

This hormone plays a role in cognitive function and mood regulation. Research has suggested that testosterone may enhance mental clarity, focus and mood in women, particularly those experiencing hormonal changes such as menopause.

Testosterone may influence brain function in several ways:

• Neurotransmitter modulation: Testosterone can affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in mood and cognitive processes.
• Neuroprotective effects: It may promote neuronal growth and protect against neurodegeneration, potentially enhancing cognitive function.
• Brain metabolism: Testosterone might influence glucose metabolism in brain regions associated with mood and cognition.

A study published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health in 2024 analyzed the effects of transdermal testosterone therapy over four months in menopausal women. The results showed significant improvements in both mood and cognition.

Specifically, 47 percent of participants reported mood enhancement, while 39 percent noted cognitive improvements. The study concluded that transdermal testosterone therapy was associated with significant improvements in mood and cognition, suggesting potential benefits for menopausal cognitive and psychological symptoms.

Another study focused on women with anorexia nervosa, a condition often associated with low testosterone levels. The research found that low-dose testosterone therapy attenuated regional brain hypometabolism, particularly in areas linked to mood regulation and cognitive function.

This suggests that testosterone supplementation may help normalize brain activity in affected regions, potentially improving mental clarity and mood.

6. Strengthens bones and may lower risk of osteoporosis

Testosterone plays a significant role in maintaining bone health in women by promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption. This is particularly important during and after menopause when natural hormone levels decline, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Testosterone contributes to bone strength through several mechanisms:

• Stimulating osteoblast activity: Testosterone promotes the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.
• Inhibiting osteoclast activity: It also helps suppress osteoclasts, which are involved in bone resorption, thereby reducing bone loss.
• Enhancing bone mineral density (BMD): By influencing the balance between bone formation and resorption, testosterone helps maintain or increase BMD, a key factor in bone strength.

Research involving women over 65 years of age found a significant positive association between serum testosterone levels and hip BMD, for instance. Lower testosterone levels were linked to decreased bone density, indicating that maintaining adequate testosterone levels may be important for bone health in older women.

7. Helps balance hormones

Testosterone for women has a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. In women, it contributes to hormonal balance by influencing mood, sexual function, bone density and metabolic health.

Balanced testosterone levels are associated with improved mood and reduced risk of depression in women. Research has indicated a parabolic relationship between plasma free testosterone levels and depression, with optimal mood observed at mid-range levels.

Both low and high testosterone levels have been linked to increased depressive symptoms, suggesting that maintaining balanced levels is essential for emotional well-being.

Testosterone influences metabolic processes as well, including insulin sensitivity. In postmenopausal women, studies have shown that testosterone levels are associated with insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic disorders.

One study found that free testosterone levels tended to have a positive correlation with insulin resistance in postmenopausal women, highlighting the hormone’s role in metabolic regulation.

8. Can help lower physical discomforts experienced due to normal post-menopause

Testosterone therapy has been explored as a treatment to alleviate certain physical discomforts experienced by postmenopausal women, particularly those related to sexual dysfunction.

During menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen and testosterone levels, which can lead to symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue and mood disturbances. Testosterone therapy aims to restore testosterone levels to those typical of premenopausal women, potentially improving these symptoms.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism analyzed 35 randomized trials involving 5,053 postmenopausal women. The study found that testosterone therapy was associated with significant improvements in various domains of sexual function, including desire, arousal and orgasmic response, as well as a reduction in personal distress related to sexual dysfunction.

However, the therapy was also linked to side effects, such as acne and hirsutism, and long-term safety data were limited.

Another study, the APHRODITE trial, involved 814 postmenopausal women who received either a placebo or a testosterone patch delivering 150 or 300 micrograms of testosterone per day. After 24 weeks, women using the 300-microgram patch reported a significant increase in the frequency of satisfying sexual episodes compared to the placebo group.

Both testosterone doses were associated with significant increases in sexual desire.

Some women also have reported improved skin elasticity and a general sense of vitality when testosterone levels are optimized.

How to increase testosterone for women

If you’ve been diagnosed with low testosterone, there are both natural and medical approaches to restoring balance.

Natural ways:

• Strength training and resistance workouts
• Adequate protein and healthy fat intake (omega-3s, avocados, nuts)
• Stress management techniques (yoga, meditation, sleep hygiene)
• Avoiding excessive alcohol and sugar
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Intermittent fasting
• Quality sleep
• Sunlight
• Cleansing the liver
• Take a testosterone for women supplement or try other supplements that support testosterone levels, such as zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, fenugreek, aspartic acid and glutamine.

Medical options:

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Available in creams, gels, patches or pellets, typically prescribed under medical supervision.
• DHEA supplements. A precursor hormone that may help raise testosterone levels. (Consult your doctor first.)

Always consult a hormone specialist before starting any treatment to determine if it’s appropriate and safe for your situation.

Risks and side effects

Like any medical treatment, testosterone therapy for women carries potential risks. It’s important to understand these before starting treatment.

Possible side effects of testosterone for women include:

• Acne or oily skin
• Hair growth in unwanted areas (e.g., face, chest)
• Mood changes or irritability
• Deepening of the voice (rare at therapeutic doses)
• Enlarged clitoris (with long-term high-dose use)
• Liver enzyme changes (rare)

Monitoring by a qualified provider is key to minimizing side effects. Proper dosing and regular blood work are essential for safety and efficacy.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for women to have testosterone?

Yes, absolutely. Women naturally produce testosterone, though in much smaller amounts than men.

Can testosterone help with menopause symptoms?

Yes. Many women report relief from fatigue, low libido and mood swings when testosterone is optimized alongside other hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Is testosterone therapy safe for women long term?

When prescribed and monitored properly, testosterone therapy can be safe. However, ongoing supervision is necessary to avoid adverse effects.

How do I know if I need testosterone?

A combination of symptoms and blood tests (especially free and total testosterone) can help determine whether you would benefit from treatment.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Low testosterone in women is typically diagnosed through a blood test that measures total and free testosterone levels. Diagnosis should also consider symptoms, since hormone levels vary widely among individuals.

What should a woman’s testosterone level be?

Normal total testosterone levels for women usually range from 15 to 70 ng/dL, though this can vary by lab and age. Free testosterone levels are often more indicative of hormonal activity and should be interpreted by a healthcare provider.

Can women have too much testosterone?

Yes. Elevated testosterone levels can cause symptoms like acne, excess body or facial hair, deepened voice, and irregular periods.

In extreme cases, it may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal disorders.

What are the risks of hormone therapy for low testosterone?

Potential risks include acne, unwanted hair growth, voice changes, mood swings and liver enzyme changes. Long-term risks are still being studied, which is why therapy should always be guided by a qualified provider with regular monitoring.

Conclusion

• Testosterone plays a powerful role in women’s health, from energy levels to mood, bone strength and beyond.
• If you’re struggling with fatigue, low libido or brain fog, understanding what testosterone does for women and exploring options to optimize your levels may be a game-changer.
• Whether through natural methods or medical therapy, boosting testosterone can offer a range of benefits.
• As with any hormone treatment, personalized care and medical guidance are essential for safety and effectiveness.