The Hidden Hormone: Why Women Need Testosterone Too

When most people think of testosterone, they think of men. But testosterone is a critical hormone for women, too — and low testosterone in women is one of the most underdiagnosed contributors to fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of motivation that we see at JS wellness.

If you've been experiencing these symptoms and your doctor has only checked your estrogen and progesterone, there may be a piece of the puzzle you're missing.

What Does Testosterone Do in Women?

Testosterone is produced in women primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands. While women produce significantly less testosterone than men, it plays a surprisingly important role across multiple systems:

•       Energy and motivation — testosterone is one of the primary drivers of physical and mental energy, drive, and sense of vitality

•       Libido and sexual function — testosterone is the most important hormone for female sexual desire

•       Muscle tone and strength — testosterone supports lean muscle mass and the ability to build and maintain it

•       Metabolism and body composition — adequate testosterone helps regulate fat distribution and metabolic rate

•       Cognitive function — testosterone contributes to mental sharpness, focus, and verbal memory

•       Mood and emotional resilience — low testosterone is associated with depression, anxiety, and emotional flatness

•       Bone density — testosterone supports bone mineral density alongside estrogen

When Does Testosterone Decline in Women?

Testosterone levels in women begin declining gradually in the 20s and continue decreasing through perimenopause and menopause. By the time a woman reaches menopause, her testosterone levels may be at 25–50% of what they were in her 20s.

This decline can be accelerated by:

•       Oral contraceptives — which suppress ovarian production of testosterone and increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), reducing the amount of bioavailable free testosterone

•       Surgical menopause (oophorectomy) — removal of the ovaries causes an immediate, dramatic drop in testosterone

•       Adrenal dysfunction — chronic stress can impair adrenal production of testosterone precursors

•       Certain medications — statins, antidepressants, and others can suppress testosterone levels

Signs You May Have Low Testosterone

Low testosterone in women often goes unrecognized — partly because it's rarely tested, and partly because its symptoms overlap with other conditions like thyroid dysfunction, depression, and general burnout. Symptoms to watch for:

•       Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

•       Significantly reduced libido or complete loss of sexual desire

•       Difficulty building or maintaining muscle even with exercise

•       Increased body fat, particularly around the midsection

•       Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory changes

•       Flattened mood, reduced motivation, or feelings of emotional numbness

•       Thinning hair

•       Reduced physical endurance and stamina

If you've been told your hormone labs are normal but you still feel terrible — ask specifically whether your testosterone was tested. Many standard hormone panels for women don't include it.

How We Test and Treat Testosterone in Women

At JS wellness, testosterone is part of our comprehensive hormone assessment for every female patient. We measure total testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) — because the amount of free, bioavailable testosterone is often more clinically relevant than the total number.

If your levels are low and your symptoms align, we discuss your options for testosterone therapy:

•       Topical testosterone cream — applied daily to the skin, provides consistent, adjustable delivery

•       Subcutaneous testosterone pellets — a small pellet inserted just under the skin, delivering a steady stream of testosterone for 3–4 months for women

•       Injectable testosterone — less commonly used in women but appropriate in certain cases

Dosing for women is very different from men — we use much smaller amounts, carefully calibrated to your labs and your symptom response. Our goal is always to restore your levels to an optimal range for your body — not to masculinize or push levels above physiologic norms.

Is Testosterone Therapy Safe for Women?

When used at appropriate doses and monitored regularly, testosterone therapy in women has a favorable safety profile. At JS wellness, we:

•       Start at conservative doses and adjust based on labs and symptom response

•       Monitor labs at regular intervals to ensure levels stay in the appropriate range

•       Assess for any side effects at follow-up appointments and adjust accordingly

•       Provide thorough informed consent so you understand what to expect

Potential side effects at incorrect doses (which we work carefully to avoid) include acne, oily skin, and increased facial hair. These are dose-dependent and typically resolve with dose reduction.

What to Expect

Most women notice initial improvements in energy and libido within 4–8 weeks of starting testosterone therapy, with fuller benefits — including improved body composition, cognitive sharpness, and emotional resilience — developing over 3–6 months.

Testosterone therapy is typically maintained long-term, with regular lab monitoring and provider check-ins to keep your levels optimized over time.

Schedule a consultation at JS Wellness: 913-398-1623 | jswellnessks.com | 715 Main St, Eudora, KS | Mon-Thurs 9-5

Serving Eudora, Lawrence, Tonganoxie, De Soto, Linwood, and the Kansas City metro area.