The Truth About Testosterone: Not Just for Men

By: Dr. Karlee Tario ND, MSCP

When most people hear “testosterone,” they think of men and muscles. But here’s the truth: testosterone plays a vital role in women’s health too—especially during and after menopause. This often-overlooked hormone impacts libido, motivation, mood, muscle mass, and even your sense of drive and resilience.

As women move through their 40s and beyond, testosterone levels naturally decline. This drop can show up as fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, decreased confidence, and a frustrating loss of strength or muscle tone. And yes, lower libido can also be part of the picture—but it’s rarely the whole story.

Why Testosterone Matters for Women

Testosterone helps:

• Fuel desire and motivation – it’s as much about zest for life as it is about sexual desire.

• Support lean muscle mass and bone strength – crucial for preventing sarcopenia and osteoporosis.

• Regulate mood and cognitive function – low levels can contribute to apathy, low confidence, and even depressive symptoms.

• Enhance stamina and recovery – both physical and emotional resilience rely on balanced testosterone.

In short, testosterone helps women feel strong, focused, and capable. When levels fall, it’s like the internal fire dims just a little.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Testosterone is only important for men.
Truth: Women need testosterone too—it’s produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and declines gradually with age.

Myth: Low testosterone only affects sex drive.
Truth: It also impacts energy, motivation, and mental clarity.

Myth: Taking testosterone is unsafe for women.
Truth: When prescribed thoughtfully and monitored by a qualified practitioner, bioidentical testosterone therapy can be safe and effective for the right patient.

Natural Ways to Support Testosterone

Before considering hormone therapy, it’s important to look at the basics:

• Prioritize protein – amino acids from protein help maintain muscle, a key site of hormone metabolism.

• Lift weights – resistance training stimulates natural testosterone production.

• Sleep deeply – poor sleep suppresses hormones that regulate energy and libido.

• Reduce stress – chronically high cortisol can blunt testosterone production.

• Nourish your body – zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and healthy fats all support hormone balance.

Sometimes, despite doing “all the right things,” testosterone remains low. That’s where testing and individualized hormone therapy may come in.

Hormone Therapy: A Personalized Approach

For some women, low testosterone persists even with optimal nutrition and lifestyle. In these cases, hormone therapy can help restore balance. When prescribed in small, physiologic doses—often as a cream or gel—testosterone can improve energy, mood, libido, and overall quality of life.

At menoPowered, we use individualized hormone testing to understand your baseline levels before making recommendations. It’s not about chasing numbers—it’s about finding the right balance to help you thrive.