Women Have Testosterone Too!

Testosterone is often considered a male hormone, but it’s essential for women’s health as well—even though levels are naturally lower. In women, testosterone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass, body composition, and motivation. It also supports mood stability, helping to reduce the risk of depression. In addition, testosterone is important for a healthy sex drive, strong bones, cognitive function, and the regulation of the immune system.

Hormonal contraception reduces testosterone production in women by approximately 50%, which partly explains why it often helps improve acne. Additionally, these hormonal treatments increase levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds hormones in the blood—further lowering the amount of free, active testosterone available to the body.

Sexual desire and even orgasms can be linked to testosterone levels. The health benefits and pleasure of orgasms are related to the hormone oxytocin, which is released during orgasms. Oxytocin is also called the love hormone, as it increases feelings of affection and commitment, but also has a positive effect on the menstrual cycle and fertility. Additionally, there are indications that oxytocin could be linked to reduced stress and anxiety.

Symptoms of low testosterone in a woman:

• lack of motivation
• loss of muscle mass
• decrease in bone density
• sexual desire
• dejection
• urinary incontinence

How to increase testosterone production naturally?

You can increase testosterone production with fairly simple means. Most testosterone is produced during sleep, so it is important to get enough sleep. Vitamin D intake is also essential for testosterone production. As with all sex hormones, it is recommended to take care of an adequate intake of energy and high-quality fats. In particular, HIIT-type strength training also supports testosterone production. Among nutritional supplements, for example, pine pollen, maca and gingseng can support testosterone production.

Overproduction of testosterone in a woman

Testosterone levels may be higher than normal in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). About 10% of women of childbearing age have the syndrome. The syndrome is associated with disorders of sugar metabolism, excessive hair growth, oily skin, infertility and menstrual disorders. Naturally, the concentration of testosterone in the bloodstream can be reduced, for example, by using ground flax seeds in the diet, as it can increase the concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Some can also benefit from herbs such as saw palmetto or nettle.

Conclusion

Balanced testosterone levels are just as essential for women as they are for men, influencing everything from mood and motivation to muscle strength and libido. If you’re curious about how to naturally support your hormonal health, the Hormone Harmony program offers gentle, practical tools to guide you.

If you want to get more detailed data about your own hormone activity, check out the DUTCH hormone analysis. In addition to testosterone, it measures the concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, melatonin and DHEA hormones, including the breakdown products of hormone metabolism.