Testosterone: 101

Understanding Testosterone: The Underrated Hormone in Women’s Health

When we think of testosterone, we often associate it with men, but it’s just as important for women. Though produced in smaller amounts, testosterone plays a key role in various aspects of women’s health, especially during perimenopause. This often-overlooked hormone is responsible for maintaining muscle mass, energy, libido, and overall mood. Yet, despite its crucial function, testosterone is frequently underappreciated and misunderstood when it comes to women’s health.

As women approach perimenopause, testosterone levels begin to decline, which can lead to subtle but significant changes. These changes might affect your energy, motivation, strength, or sex drive, leaving you feeling disconnected from the vibrant, active person you once were. The truth is, testosterone is nothing to fear, and in fact, maintaining balanced levels can be the key to feeling your best as you age.

What Does Testosterone Do in Women?

Testosterone in women is produced primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Despite being classified as an androgen (a male hormone), it’s vital for a range of bodily functions in women, such as:

• Supporting libido and sexual function.
• Maintaining muscle mass and strength.
• Supporting mood regulation and emotional resilience.
• Promoting bone density.
• Supporting cognitive function, including focus and memory.

During perimenopause, testosterone levels can decrease, but this doesn’t always happen in a linear way. Some women experience significant fluctuations, which can exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, or even a sudden lack of motivation and zest for life.

Testosterone Production Before and After Menopause

Before menopause, testosterone production is driven by both the ovaries and adrenal glands. After menopause, the ovaries slow down producing testosterone, the adrenal glands become the primary source of estrogen and progesterone. Healthy adrenal function becomes especially important after menopause to maintain balanced hormone levels and support overall vitality.

The decline of testosterone in women typically starts years before menopause, which is why you may begin noticing symptoms of low testosterone well into perimenopause.

Testosterone and Cognitive Health: Beyond Sex Drive

Like estrogen and progesterone, testosterone is a brain hormone as much as it is a sex hormone. It affects several cognitive functions, including mental clarity, focus, and memory. It also influences mood stability, reducing the risk of anxiety or depression.

Testosterone works alongside other hormones to regulate emotional well-being and mental sharpness. Studies have shown that low testosterone levels can contribute to feelings of brain fog, reduced concentration, and even a diminished sense of well-being. That’s why keeping testosterone levels balanced is essential, not just for physical health but for cognitive and emotional health as well.

The Positive Effects of Testosterone on Metabolism and Thyroid Function

One of the lesser-known aspects of testosterone is its significant impact on metabolism and thyroid function. Adequate testosterone levels can enhance energy, support muscle mass, and promote a healthy metabolic rate, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, testosterone plays a role in regulating thyroid hormones, which are vital for overall metabolic health and energy levels.

Many women may not be aware that a significant drop in testosterone can lead to fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and even mood changes. Unlike estrogen and progesterone, the signs of low testosterone can be more subtle, but they significantly impact daily life and well-being.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, you may want to consider whether your testosterone levels are low. Some less commonly mentioned signs of low testosterone in women include:

• Decreased libido: A decline in sexual desire and satisfaction is a hallmark symptom.
• Fatigue or low stamina: Feeling tired more often or lacking the energy you once had.
• Mood swings or irritability: Emotional instability or an increase in feelings of frustration.
• Loss of muscle strength: Reduced muscle function can occur.
• Difficulty building or maintaining muscle: Harder to gain muscle, even with regular exercise.
• Thinning hair or changes in hair texture: Testosterone plays a role in hair health, and lower levels can lead to hair thinning.
• Sleep disturbances: Poor-quality sleep or waking up feeling unrested.
• Weakened bones: Lower testosterone can contribute to reduced bone density over time, leading to osteoporosis.
• Cognitive difficulties: Issues with focus, memory, and clarity can arise with low testosterone levels.

Recognizing these signs can empower you to take action and discuss potential treatment options with your healthcare provider.

How Testosterone Helps in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Testosterone is often overlooked in discussions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women. While many women are prescribed estrogen and progesterone to manage their symptoms, testosterone supplementation can be just as vital for improving libido, energy, and muscle mass.

There’s a common misconception that testosterone therapy for women is risky or unnatural, but modern HRT protocols that include low-dose testosterone have been shown to be safe and effective for women who experience symptoms of low testosterone during perimenopause. Testosterone can be especially beneficial when combined with estrogen and progesterone to provide a well-rounded approach to balancing hormones and improving overall health.

You will need to specifically ask for your testosterone to be tested with your healthcare provider as it’s not something generally done in the U.S. You can also utilize ChooseJoi.co to test for testosterone as this is standard in their testing packages.

As always, women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or other medical concerns should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any hormone therapy.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Balancing Testosterone

Maintaining balanced testosterone levels isn’t just about hormone therapy—diet and exercise play a crucial role too. A protein-rich diet with healthy fats is essential for hormone production. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, support the body’s natural hormone-making processes, including testosterone production.

Resistance training, like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, is particularly effective at boosting testosterone levels naturally. Exercise helps increase muscle mass and strength, which in turn stimulates testosterone production, creating a positive feedback loop that supports your energy, strength, and stamina.

How Cycle Tracking Helps Identify Testosterone Imbalance

While testosterone isn’t directly linked to your menstrual cycle the way estrogen and progesterone are, cycle tracking can still be an invaluable tool for identifying hormonal imbalances. By keeping an eye on your energy levels, libido, mood, and muscle performance, you can see how these elements fluctuate throughout your cycle or how they change over time.

Tracking your symptoms in relation to your cycle can also help identify if low testosterone might be contributing to issues like fatigue, low sex drive, or emotional instability. This is an important step in identifying whether testosterone supplementation or other lifestyle changes could be beneficial for you.

Conclusion

Testosterone is an underrated yet powerful hormone that plays a crucial role in women’s health. From supporting energy and muscle mass to boosting libido and cognitive function, it’s essential to keep this hormone in balance during perimenopause. While testosterone levels naturally decline with age, hormone replacement therapy, along with proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, can help restore balance and improve quality of life.

If you suspect low testosterone might be contributing to your symptoms, tracking your cycle can provide valuable insights into your hormone levels. Download my Cycle Tracker to start monitoring your symptoms today, and if you don’t have access to a healthcare provider experienced in hormone therapy, consider getting tested through choosejoi.co, where you can consult with experts who specialize in perimenopause and hormone health.