what is testosterone?
testosterone is often thought of as a "male" hormone, but it is also produced naturally in women's bodies, primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and in much smaller amounts than in men. it belongs to a group of hormones called androgens and plays a genuine, if often overlooked, role in women's health.
what does testosterone do in women's bodies?
in women, testosterone contributes to:
- sex drive and sexual function
- energy levels and general sense of vitality
- muscle strength and maintenance of muscle mass
- bone density, alongside oestrogen
- mood and overall sense of wellbeing
some testosterone is also converted into oestrogen within the body, meaning the two hormones are more closely linked than many people realise.
normal patterns
testosterone levels in women are naturally much lower than in men, and they tend to be relatively stable compared with the more dramatic monthly swings seen with oestrogen and progesterone. levels are generally highest in early adulthood and tend to decline gradually with age, including through the menopause transition, though the ovaries continue to contribute some testosterone even after menopause.
what influences testosterone levels?
a number of factors can affect testosterone levels in women, including age, certain medical conditions affecting the ovaries or adrenal glands, some medications (including certain hormonal contraceptives), and significant changes in body weight or body composition. stress and sleep quality may also play a role in the broader hormonal environment that influences androgen production.
when levels are higher or lower than usual
higher than typical testosterone levels in women can sometimes be associated with symptoms such as changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes or increased hair growth in areas typical of male pattern growth, and are linked to certain underlying conditions that need medical assessment. lower testosterone can be associated with reduced energy, low mood or changes in sex drive, though these symptoms have many possible causes and are not specific to testosterone alone.
why testing matters
because testosterone interacts with other hormones and its "normal" range differs by lab and by life stage, diagnosing yourself based on symptoms is not reliable. a proper picture of what's happening requires blood testing and clinical context.
if you're concerned about symptoms that might relate to testosterone or other androgens, please speak with a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional, who can arrange the right tests and interpret them in the context of your overall health.