Many women are becoming more aware of the perks of maintaining their hormone levels as they age. Maybe that’s why testosterone is no longer the third wheel—after estrogen and progesterone—when it comes to female hormonal health.
But what does testosterone do for women exactly? Let’s talk about the benefits of healthy testosterone levels and the signs of low T levels. We’ll also discuss the dangers of extremely high testosterone levels in women and explore the subject of how one can boost their testosterone naturally with the help of supplements.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a big role in developing the male reproductive system and other masculine characteristics, such as a deeper voice and facial hair. It’s no wonder that guys have more testosterone than gals!
As the primary male hormone, it helps regulate sex differentiation (whether a baby in the tummy develops male or female traits). This is also responsible for spermatogenesis (when the male reproductive organs creates sperm) and fertility.
However, women also need testosterone, though in much smaller amounts. Ladies produce their testosterone in the adrenal glands and ovaries; the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (a.k.a. DHEA) serves as the precursor created by the adrenal glands. Most gals’ testosterone is then transformed into estrogen by a process called aromatase [1].
What Is the Normal Level of Testosterone in a Woman?
The normal testosterone level in women—those with no menstrual issues, male-pattern hair growth, or acne—is around 14-15 ng/dL [2].
However, some researchers think testosterone is hard to measure accurately. After all, most of its effects happen inside tissues, so it might be at higher levels than recorded or captured during blood tests.
How Does Testosterone Affect a Woman’s Body?
When T levels are normal, testosterone can help younger women maintain a healthy libido and brain function [1].
What does testosterone cream do for women? Well, one study shows that a moderate dose of testosterone in a cream formulation might improve muscle growth and boost physical performance. This was despite both groups performing the same strength training program [3].
In this study, young female athletes were given 10 mg of testosterone for 10 weeks or a placebo. The researchers found that women on testosterone enhancement gained around 923 grams of muscle, compared to 135 grams in the placebo group.
During an endurance test, the time before they got tired increased by 21 seconds. Their strength—as measured by the Wingate 30-second test—improved by 15 points, too [3].
Despite an impressive jump in muscle growth and physical fitness, most ladies did not experience severe side effects. The most common issue was more acne, followed by longer menstrual cycles [3]. Also, these effects seem to typically appear at much higher doses.
What Causes Low Testosterone in Women?
The cause of low testosterone in women may not be menopause, even though most ladies usually start testosterone replacement (a.k.a. TRT) at this time.
Your production of DHEA and testosterone peaks in your 20s and 30s, after which they steadily decline. There is no big fall in T-levels during menopause, but the average woman in her 60s will have only 10-20% of her peak DHEA and testosterone [1].
Other causes besides aging include primary adrenal insufficiency—where your adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones—and primary hypopituitarism (a rare condition that affects many hormones in the body). Having your ovaries removed, hormonal birth control and corticosteroids may also bring down testosterone levels [1].
Most combined hormonal contraceptives contain ethinyl estradiol, which could reduce DHEA by 24% and dramatically increase cortisol. However, much newer estradiol valerate-containing pills do not seem to lower DHEA and have minimal effects on cortisol [4].
What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone in Females?
Some symptoms that suggest ladies like you might have low T levels are:
Cognitive dysfunction (or declining critical thinking skills)
Low libido
Muscle loss
These typically appear around menopause, even though dwindling testosterone is usually caused by other age-related issues [1] [5].
One sign you may notice is sexual dysfunction. A study on women between 18-44 found that those in the lowest tenth for DHEA had much less sexual arousal, desire, and responsiveness.
Other research findings show that low testosterone levels may lead to poor lubrication, while replacement can restore it more than estrogen alone can [5].
If you’re trying to conceive, low testosterone may even affect fertility. Testosterone acts on immature egg cells in your ovaries to help them develop. Even though you are born with all of your eggs, they must mature before ovulation, so this step is essential. As a result, treatment with DHEA is a well-known remedy for women with low ovarian reserves [6].
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Are you showing signs of a hormone deficiency? Your doctor can diagnose low testosterone through a blood test. Fasting blood samples are often used in clinical research, as they are considered the most reliable [3].
However, your doctor may want to order multiple tests, as these levels can fluctuate. If you do not want a blood test, some studies use salivary testing to measure testosterone.
How To Treat Low Testosterone in Females
One method of boosting testosterone levels in both women and men is regular strength training [7]. However, this small but significant rise in T-levels only lasts 30-60 minutes after exercise. It is mainly meant to support the muscle growth you need to adapt to demanding muscle activity.
Another popular way to treat low testosterone in women is to take evidence-backed dietary supplements, such as TestoPrime, that may help increase your body’s natural testosterone production.
Additionally, you may want to consider switching birth control methods to one that is gentler on your testosterone levels if it’s bothering you.
If all else fails, you may need a prescription for DHEA (the precursor to testosterone) or low-dose testosterone from your doctor. This typically comes as a pill, patch, cream, or vaginal preparation.
What Are the Side Effects of Boosting Testosterone in Women?
Although testosterone is vital for women’s health, taking too much may cause some unwanted side effects, which we’ll talk about below.
Risks of Hormone Therapy for Low Testosterone
What does testosterone injections do for women? Excessive doses of testosterone could lead to women developing masculine traits. For instance, male-pattern hair growth and a deepened voice are common effects of high doses, alongside acne and an irregular menstrual cycle.
This can affect fertility, too, but testosterone itself is not a contraceptive. Extreme amounts can even cause organ damage, especially to the liver [1].
When Should I Seek Medical Help for Low Testosterone Symptoms?
Talk to your doctor if you cannot seem to find relief from your symptoms—such as low libido and a lack of progress in the gym—no matter what you do. Low-dose testosterone for female sexual health requires a prescription, which may be necessary if even the best T-boosting supplements aren’t helping you.
Are you trying to conceive with no success? You may also need to consult your doctor to check if low testosterone is the issue. A low ovarian reserve could suggest a need for DHEA treatment [6].
Last but not least, ask for advice from your healthcare provider if you are taking testosterone supplements and are experiencing any of the above symptoms of excessive levels. Your doctor can then advise you on your dosage and what alternatives to use.
Health Benefits of Testosterone for Women
What happens when a female takes testosterone? If you’re a woman, testosterone may help increase your sexual drive, improve your mental health, and enhance your physical fitness.
Sexual Function
What does testosterone do for women in menopause? Studies on postmenopausal women reveal that combining estrogen with testosterone might alleviate vulvovaginal atrophy (where your vaginal walls become dry or inflamed) more than estrogen alone. Women in these trials also showed more desire and better sexual function [5].
Perhaps the most embarrassing symptom of menopause is urinary incontinence, but boosting your testosterone may help in this area even when you cannot take estrogen.
While a trial of testosterone for joint pain found no benefit in this area, the treated women had a lower rate of urinary incontinence, at just 10%. In contrast, ladies in the placebo group had a 42% chance of stress incontinence [8].
Mental Performance
Another terrific perk of testosterone for women is improved cognitive function. It appears to boost spatial and verbal abilities, such as learning and memory [5].
Lab research shows that testosterone may also protect brain tissue, guarding against oxidative stress and amyloid-beta (a harmful protein known to fuel Alzheimer’s) [5].
Research also shows that higher testosterone levels may reduce the risk of fractures in older women. This may be partly because of testosterone being converted to estradiol [1].
Physical Fitness
While a study reveals an improvement in muscle mass and overall fitness in younger women, another research demonstrates that older women can enjoy similar benefits. A trial featuring women with heart failure showed gains in the six-minute walk test (SMWT), which is often used to measure mobility [5].
On the other hand, keep in mind that most of these are not yet FDA-approved uses for testosterone in women. Current testosterone therapy for women mostly involves off-label prescribing.
Popular Testosterone Supplements for Women
Wondering how to treat low testosterone in females? Natural testosterone supplements may help raise your T levels while being relatively safe compared to direct hormone replacement. Thanks to the lower risk of side effects and lack of need for a prescription, these T boosters are a popular choice for many ladies.
What happens if a woman takes testosterone supplements? Although these primarily target men, research shows that women may benefit from some of the ingredients as well!
1. TestoPrime
TestoPrime is our favorite among the supplements that help women increase testosterone levels. It has 12 ingredients, including zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, and panax ginseng (a.k.a. Korean ginseng).
Zinc is a vital ingredient for boosting testosterone in women. A study on postmenopausal women taking high doses of zinc found that it doubled their T-levels over the trial period. These increased from 25.76 ng/mL to 50.19 ng/mL, while sexual function scores rose from 19.23 to 31.91 [9].
Just remember: the 110 mg dose used in this study is not recommended for long-term use. Additionally, the other ingredients in supplements may have their own effects, too.
Panax ginseng is another ingredient in TestoPrime that may amp up T-levels by increasing DHEA. A trial testing the effects of ginseng revealed a rise in testosterone among both younger and older women. While women aged 20-32 years saw their salivary levels increase from 76.3 to 98.4 pg/mL, the group aged 38-50 experienced a smaller effect, from 61.2 to 68.1 pg/mL [10].
Price
1 month: $64.99
3 months: $129.99
5 months: $194.99
Dosage
Take 4 capsules every morning before having breakfast.
User Reviews
As the best testosterone for women, TestoPrime has received a lot of positive feedback from customers online.
For example, one Redditor, Huge_Line4009 on r/truefitpower, recommends it for those feeling the low effects of testosterone. They shared that the gains in strength, mood enhancement, and energy were palpable—especially when they paired the supplement with disciplined training and dieting [11].
Another Reddit commenter, Big-Mike-1, shared on r/Testosterone that TestoPrime gave them more energy, although the results took around three weeks to manifest [12].
2. Testosil
Feeling tired while exercising? Testosil promises to energize you so you can push through tough workouts by revving up your body’s testosterone production. This supplement combines ingredients like fenugreek, d-aspartic acid, l-arginine, and vitamin D3.
Fenugreek is an herb that may boost testosterone levels in women as well as men. A trial on healthy, menstruating women with low libido found that it greatly improved arousal and sexual frequency over two months [13].
The ladies’ total testosterone increased by 17%, from 1.0 to 1.17 nmol/L. What’s more, their free testosterone rose from 1.13 to 1.4 nmol/L, a larger effect [13].
Moreover, research suggests that vitamin D has a good effect on the hormones of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). For example, one of the perks of supplementing with this nutrient for eight weeks is improvements in testosterone balance.[14].
Price
1 month: $69
3 months: $177
6 months: $294
Dosage
All you need is 1 or 2 servings a day.
User Reviews
Many users approve of Testosil as a testosterone booster. One of them is Reddit user Katara Ya, who described it on r/testoviews as a promising natural supplement that may help restore testosterone levels and improve performance [15].
On the other hand, the same reviewer clarified that the outcomes may be different for each person [15].
3. CrazyBulk Testo-Max
If you’re determined to shed pounds and build muscle mass, Testo-Max from CrazyBulk might come in handy. By increasing your testosterone levels, this supplement claims to help you burn extra fat and encourage muscle growth. The formula showcases natural ingredients, including boron, nettle leaf extract, fenugreek, and vitamin D3.
When it comes to postmenopausal women, a trial suggests that boron plays a role in elevating their serum testosterone levels [16].
Additionally, a study explains that nettle leaf extract nettle leaf may boost free or active testosterone by curbing sex hormone binding globulin (a.k.a. SHBG), which may inhibit the male hormone [17].
Price
1 month: $64.99
3 months: $129.99
Dosage
Take 4 pills daily, along with a meal.
User Reviews
Many folks appreciate Testo-Max as a testosterone supplement. In r/reviewser, for instance, Reddit reviewer Kanbreze praised it as a worthy contender if you’re hoping to optimize your T levels [18].
Nevertheless, the same person reminded fellow Redditors to manage their expectations since the results may vary among users [18].
4. Testogen
Testogen is another supplement that may elevate your T-levels with a lower risk of side effects. The new formula features 9 active ingredients, such as tribulus terrestris, magnesium, zinc, and tongkat ali.
A study shows that tribulus terrestris may improve sexual function in ladies by supporting testosterone production. After being treated for three months, premenopausal women saw a rise in their serum testosterone levels [19].
Better yet, research reveals that tongkat ali may aid in increasing free and total testosterone levels in both women and men [20].
Price
1 month: $54.99 for single orders or $43.99 with a subscription
Dosage
Take 4 capsules daily.
User Reviews
Many users have good things to say about Testogen online. On r/LifeCapsule, for instance, Reddit reviewer Annual-Ad-3061 says it’s “a natural and legit T-booster” that restored their sex drive and assisted them in reaching their fitness objectives [21].
While Reddit user Enpetals4u is not sure yet if Testogen is ideal for them, they are open to listening to feedback about the supplement from fellow Redditors on r/swoleacceptance [22].
FAQs: What Does Testosterone Do for Women?
Here are some of the first questions ladies usually ask when they’re curious about the benefits of testosterone. Let’s answer some of them below!
Can Low-Dose Testosterone Aid in Treating Poor Libido in Women?
Studies suggest that low-dose testosterone may improve libido in women [1]. Even a small 17% rise in testosterone—as seen in a study on fenugreek—can aid in raising libido and increasing sexual desire [13].
Can Low-Dose Testosterone Help Treat Menopause Symptoms?
Clinical research shows that low-dose testosterone for females can relieve many symptoms linked with menopause; these include low libido, vulvovaginal atrophy, muscle loss, and memory impairments [5]. Furthermore, even urinary incontinence can be greatly reduced [8].
What Happens When a Woman Takes Testosterone?
Women taking testosterone might notice big improvements in endurance, muscle growth, and physical strength over time. Better yet, the amount ladies need to achieve this is only a small fraction of the levels that men need. Gals could also notice improvements in cognitive and sexual function [5].
Can Testosterone Help Women Lose Weight?
What is the link between testosterone for women and weight loss? As testosterone helps increase muscle mass, you may end up losing unwanted body fat and shedding extra pounds. This is because muscle burns more calories at rest. One trial on the effect of testosterone on females shows that they gained muscle while losing a small amount of fat [3].
How Does Testosterone Make a Woman Feel?
Testosterone may help enhance strength while making you feel energized. Plus, it may also increase your sexual desire [5]. These improvements may even lead to better confidence.
Final Thoughts: What Does Testosterone Do for Women?
Gone are the days when the world thought that testosterone had few advantages for women’s health. Today, research shows that testosterone may enhance your brain’s abilities, muscle growth, endurance, bone strength, and sexual function. It may even support fertility by helping eggs mature.
If you have low testosterone or are concerned about your T levels dipping, it’s a good idea to try supplements that contain natural T-boosting ingredients.
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