Testosterone Isn’t Just for Men: What Every Woman Should Know
Testosterone for Women: Why It Matters More Than You Think As a provider, one of the questions I get asked all the time is: “Isn’t testosterone just for men?” It’s a fair question—and the short answer is no. Women make testosterone too, and although we produce much smaller amounts than men, this hormone plays a big role in how we feel, look, and function. Because I hear this so often in my clinic, I want to share some information about testosterone in women: what happens as we age, how it can help, and the truth about side effects (including the ever-popular beard question!). What Happens to Testosterone as Women Age Testosterone is made in a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels peak in your 20s, then slowly start to decline. By the time you reach menopause, your testosterone is often 50% lower than it once was. That gradual drop often shows up as: Lower energy and motivation Muscle tone that seems harder to keep A few extra pounds around the midsection A...