Why Testosterone is Beneficial for Women: The Overlooked Hormone You Need to Know About

Blog Post by Coach Julie

NCI Certified Nutrition Coach & Certified Mindset Coach
Specializing in Women's Health & Gut Health

When you hear “testosterone,” you probably think of it as a male hormone. But here’s the truth — testosterone plays a critical role in women’s health too, especially during and after menopause. In fact, it’s essential for everything from energy and muscle strength to bone density and mood stability. Unfortunately, many women have never been told how important this hormone really is, or what happens when it’s too low.
Today, we’re diving into testosterone’s function in the female body, the symptoms of low testosterone in women, and the benefits of testosterone therapy.
Testosterone’s Role in the Female BodyWhile men produce much more testosterone, women’s bodies naturally make it in smaller amounts — mainly in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues.
Testosterone helps regulate:

• Muscle mass and strength – Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance.
  
• Bone density – Works with estrogen to protect against osteoporosis.
  
• Libido and sexual function – Plays a major role in sexual desire and satisfaction.
  
• Mood and cognitive function – Influences memory, focus, and emotional well-being.
  
• Energy and stamina – Helps combat fatigue and improves endurance.
  

According to the Endocrine Society, testosterone is present in women’s bodies at about one-tenth to one-twentieth the levels found in men — but that small amount is vital for maintaining health and vitality.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in WomenTestosterone levels naturally decline with age, particularly during and after menopause. However, certain medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors can accelerate the drop.
Common signs of low testosterone include:

• Persistent fatigue and low energy
  
• Loss of muscle tone or increased body fat
  
• Decreased libido or sexual satisfaction
  
• Reduced bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
  
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
  
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
  

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider about testing your hormone levels.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy for WomenResearch suggests that testosterone therapy can provide multiple benefits for women with clinically low levels — especially those in peri- or post-menopause.
Potential benefits include:

1. Improved Sexual Health – Studies show testosterone therapy can significantly improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction in postmenopausal women (The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2019).
   
2. Increased Muscle Strength – Testosterone helps preserve lean muscle mass, which supports metabolism and functional independence.
   
3. Enhanced Bone Health – By working with estrogen, testosterone can slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk (National Institutes of Health).
   
4. Better Mood and Cognitive Function – Some women report improved mental clarity, focus, and reduced feelings of depression.
   
5. Boosted Energy Levels – Helps restore vitality and reduce chronic fatigue.
   

Important ConsiderationsTestosterone therapy isn’t for everyone, and it should only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Overuse or improper dosing can cause side effects such as acne, hair changes, or voice deepening.
Before starting therapy, your provider will likely recommend:

• Comprehensive hormone testing
  
• Reviewing your full health history
  
• Discussing non-hormonal options such as nutrition, resistance training, and stress management
  

Supporting Healthy Testosterone NaturallyEven if you’re not a candidate for therapy, lifestyle habits can help support healthy testosterone levels:

• Strength training at least 2–3 times a week
  
• Adequate protein intake (0.8–1g per pound of lean body mass)
  
• Healthy fats from sources like avocado, nuts, and olive oil
  
• Quality sleep (7–9 hours per night)
  
• Stress management to reduce cortisol, which can suppress testosterone
  

Final ThoughtsTestosterone is not just a “male” hormone — it’s a crucial part of women’s health, especially as you age. If you’re noticing symptoms of low testosterone, don’t ignore them. Talk to your healthcare provider, explore testing, and consider all your options for keeping your hormones balanced.
And remember — exercise is one of the most powerful hormone balancers you have at your disposal. That’s why we created the Ascend Fitness App — giving you access to a full year’s worth of progressive strength training programs designed to support healthy hormones, muscle mass, and overall vitality.
Sources:

• Davis, S.R., et al. “Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2019.
  
• National Institutes of Health. “Testosterone and Women’s Health.” NIH.gov.
  
• Endocrine Society. “Testosterone Therapy in Women.” Endocrine.org.