Testosterone’s Benefits for Women in Menopause

As you go through the ups and downs of menopause, you may notice many different symptoms—tiredness, moodiness, loss of vitality, and even a lack of desire. It’s a complicated path, and often the hormones most people talk about, like estrogen and progesterone, don’t give the full picture.

Today, I want to talk about testosterone, an important but frequently overlooked part of women’s health during menopause.

Yes, you read that correctly—testosterone isn’t just a hormone for men. Women also need testosterone, and it can help you feel strong, balanced, and full of life during your middle years. Let’s explore why testosterone deserves more credit in women’s health and why it should be part of the conversation.

Why Testosterone Should Get More Credit During Menopause

It’s commonly known that estrogen and progesterone levels drop when women go through menopause. But what’s often missed is that testosterone levels in most women, also decline with age—sometimes even more quickly. Since women naturally produce less of it than men, the drop can lead to:

• Lower libido
• Reduced energy
• Cloudy thinking
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of bone  and muscle mass
• Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem
• More sensitive to things that never bothered you before

In functional medicine, we look at the whole person, which means checking testosterone is just as important as checking estrogen and progesterone. This isn’t about making women “mini men.” It’s about restoring balance—supporting clarity, resilience, and vitality.

The Benefits of Testosterone for Women in Menopause

Here’s how balanced testosterone can help:

• Increases Energy and Lifts Mood
  Fatigue and irritability don’t have to be “normal.” Testosterone helps keep energy steady and mood brighter, so you experience fewer foggy days and more pep in your step.
• Boosts Libido and Sexual Health
  Many women notice a decline in sexual desire during menopause. Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining libido and enhancing pleasure, helping you reconnect with your body and your partner.
• Supports Bone and Muscle Health
  Testosterone works alongside DHEA, estrogen and progesterone to maintain strong bones and healthy muscle mass—lowering the risk of osteoporosis and frailty.
• Improves Cognitive Function
  A sharp mind and strong memory are vital for overall health. Testosterone supports cognitive function, reducing the “brain fog” many women experience.
• Promotes Overall Wellbeing
  Balanced testosterone can reduce anxiety, reduce depression, improve motivation, and contribute to a greater sense of vitality and quality of life.

Busting the Myths

A scientific paper in Maturitas in 2013 refutes common myths and misconceptions about testosterone therapy in women. Maturitas is a monthly, peer-reviewed, international, and multidisciplinary medical journal that focuses on all aspects of midlife and post reproductive health for both men and women, covering basic science, health, and social care topics.

It states Testosterone is:

• Breast protective
• Cardiac protective
• Not masculinizing
• Does not cause hoarseness
• Essential for physical and mental health in women
• Mood stabilizing and does not increase aggression
• The most abundant biologically active female hormone (all estrogen is made from testosterone)!

Taking Action: What You Can Do

If any of this resonates with you, here are steps to consider:

1. Talk to Your Doctor
   Ask about a full hormone panel—not just estrogen and progesterone. Ask for Total and free testosterone and dihydrotestosterone known as DHT as well as DHEA-S. A functional medicine approach looks at all hormones plus nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress. Make sure you find someone who listens, understands your concerns and has expertise in this area.
2. Start with Lifestyle Changes
   Sometimes, simple shifts make a big difference:
   • Prioritize restorative sleep
   • Stay active with strength training and aerobic exercise
   • Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in colorful vegetables and some fruit
   • Add lean protein and healthy omega 3 fats from fish, olives, avocado, nuts and any of their oils
   • Decrease alcohol
   • Optimize Vitamin D
3. Consider Bioidentical Testosterone Therapy
   For some women, carefully monitored bioidentical testosterone therapy can be a safe and effective way to restore balance and reclaim vitality.
4. Monitor levels testosterone can be converted into estrogen or dihydrotestosterone a stronger testosterone that can cause acne, facial hair or hair loss on the head. Working with a Functional Medicine doctor who knows how to stop the conversion and assure you have hormone balance and a holistic approach to overall health is key.

Remember—this isn’t about one-size-fits-all medicine. It’s about finding the right balance for you.

A Fresh Perspective on Menopause

Menopause doesn’t signal the end of life as you know it—it marks the beginning of a new chapter. When your hormones are balanced, you can embrace this stage of life feeling vibrant, empowered, and fully alive. My patients report a greater sense of empowerment, self-confidence, wellbeing, strength, vitality and libido. It improves their relationship with themselves as well as other.

Stay curious, be kind to yourself, and remember: your health story is uniquely yours and absolutely worth your time and care. You don’t have to be alone on this journey. Apply for a clarity call to see if we are a good fit.

Here’s to thriving at every stage of life!

References:1–9

1. Jayasena CN, Alkaabi FM, Liebers CS, Handley T, Franks S, Dhillo WS. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of testosterone therapy for female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2019;90(3):391-414. doi:10.1111/cen.13906

2. Riley A, Riley E. Controlled studies on women presenting with sexual drive disorder: I. Endocrine status. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(3):269-283. doi:10.1080/00926230050084669

3. Parish SJ, Simon JA, Davis SR, et al. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. J Sex Med. 2021;18(5):849-867. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.009

4. Vigen R, O’Donnell CI, Barón AE, et al. Association of testosterone therapy with mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke in men with low testosterone levels. JAMA. 2013;310(17):1829-1836. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280386

5. Walker M. Exploring Testosterone Therapy for Menopausal Women: Benefits, Ris…. Accessed February 24, 2024. https://medriva.com/health/womens-health/exploring-testosterone-therapy-for-menopausal-women-benefits-risks-and-future-perspectives/

6. Low testosterone levels predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in women: a prospective cohort study in German primary care patients. Accessed March 11, 2017. http://www.eje-online.org/content/163/4/699.full

7. Samaras N, Papadopoulou MA, Samaras D, Ongaro F. Off-label use of hormones as an antiaging strategy: a review. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:1175-1186. doi:10.2147/CIA.S48918

8. Islam RM, Bell RJ, Green S, Page MJ, Davis SR. Safety and efficacy of testosterone for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial data. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(10):754-766. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30189-5

9. Glaser R, Dimitrakakis C. Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions. Maturitas. 2013;74(3):230-234. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.01.003