When most people think about testosterone, they think about men. But testosterone is produced in women too, and it plays a significant role in energy, mood, libido, concentration, and muscle strength throughout a woman’s life. The conversation around testosterone in women’s health is growing, and rightly so. At SHE Health, we assess and prescribe testosterone for women as part of comprehensive hormonal care.
Women produce testosterone primarily in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels naturally peak in the mid-twenties and decline gradually thereafter. By the time a woman reaches perimenopause and menopause, her testosterone levels may be significantly lower than they were in her younger years. This decline can contribute to a cluster of symptoms that are often attributed to other causes: persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, loss of motivation and drive, reduced libido, and a general sense of flatness or disconnection.
Low testosterone is not simply just linked to reduced sex drive, though that is often the symptom you are most aware of. Cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and reduced mental sharpness can also be linked to testosterone decline. Women who get the right support often describe finally feeling like themselves again once testosterone is properly addressed.
In the UK, testosterone is licensed for use in postmenopausal women and is prescribed off-label for perimenopausal women. At SHE Health, we assess testosterone levels through blood testing and discuss the full picture before considering prescribing. We use physiological doses designed to restore levels to the normal female range, not to supraphysiological levels, and we monitor carefully.
At appropriate doses, the effects of testosterone can be those of restored wellbeing: more energy, clearer thinking, improved mood, and a sense of vitality that many women had stopped expecting to feel.
If you have been told that feeling flat, exhausted, and disconnected is simply part of getting older, it is worth exploring whether testosterone is part of the picture. Many women are surprised to find that it is.
