Understanding Testosterone in Women: The Overlooked Hormone
When it comes to women’s hormones, estrogen and progesterone tend to get all the attention. But there’s another hormone quietly working behind the scenes that has a major impact on how you feel: testosterone.
Though often labeled a “male hormone,” testosterone plays a crucial role in women’s health, too. At Empowered Wellness, we believe that understanding all of your hormones, not just the obvious ones, is key to feeling your best, especially during midlife transitions like perimenopause and menopause.
Why Testosterone Matters for Women
Yes, women have testosterone, and it matters more than you might think.
Testosterone supports:
Sexual desire and responsiveness
Muscle tone and strength
Bone health
Mood, motivation, and mental clarity
Overall energy and vitality
While women produce much smaller amounts than men, even slight changes in levels can affect how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally.
What Happens When Testosterone Levels Drop?
Testosterone levels in women naturally start to decline in the late 20s to early 30s, and that drop often accelerates during perimenopause and menopause.
You might not realize low testosterone could be part of the picture if you're experiencing:
Fatigue or low energy
Reduced sex drive or satisfaction
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
Loss of strength or difficulty building muscle
Brain fog or decreased focus
A general feeling of being “flat” or not like yourself
Because these symptoms overlap with other hormonal changes, they’re often brushed aside, but they’re worth paying attention to.
How We Test for Low Testosterone
At Empowered Wellness, we take a personalized approach to hormone testing. When we evaluate testosterone, we look at:
Total testosterone (your overall production)
Free testosterone (the active form your body can use)
SHBG (a protein that binds hormones and affects availability)
We don’t just check if your numbers fall within a broad “normal” range, we consider your symptoms, lifestyle, and what levels are truly optimal for you.
What About Testosterone Therapy?
Here’s where things can get tricky.
There is currently no FDA-approved testosterone therapy specifically for women, which unfortunately means that some providers may be hesitant even to discuss it, even when symptoms and lab results clearly point to a potential benefit.
That said, the conversation is changing. More clinicians and researchers are recognizing that off-label use of testosterone, when prescribed responsibly and with careful monitoring, can be a safe and effective option for some women.
At Empowered Wellness, we always:
Evaluate comprehensive lab results
Look closely at your symptoms and goals
Consider testosterone therapy if it may be appropriate for you
Prescribe thoughtfully, with regular follow-up and dose adjustments
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. If testosterone therapy is not the right fit, we’ll explore other paths together. Your care plan is always about what works best for you.
Is Testosterone Right for You?
Testosterone isn't a magic fix, and it’s not for everyone, but for some women, it can be the missing piece in the hormone puzzle.
If you’ve been told "your labs are fine" but still feel off, or if you're frustrated that no one is really listening to your symptoms, you're not alone. We’re here to validate what you're experiencing, and to explore every possible path toward relief.
Empowered Women, Empowered Health
At Empowered Wellness, our care is built on trust, education, and a deep belief that women deserve honest answers, not quick fixes or dismissive responses. We offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you explore your options in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
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