When people hear “testosterone,” they often think of men or the bodybuilding culture. In reality, testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in bothmen and women, and it plays an important role in energy, mood, sexual health, muscle mass, bone strength and overall sense of well-being. For many people, especially as they age, levels gradually decline — and the effects can be subtle at first and then increasingly noticeable.
Despite how important testosterone is, conversations about it are often overlooked or surrounded by stigma. Many patients are unsure what is normal, what symptoms matter, or whether it’s even appropriate to ask about testing or treatment.
What testosterone does in the body:
In men, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes. In women, it is produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Even though women have lower levels overall, testosterone still contributes meaningfully to:
• Libido and sexual satisfaction
• Energy and motivation
• Mood and confidence
• Muscle strength and body composition
• Bone density
• Cognitive clarity
Low levels can be associated with fatigue, reduced libido, low mood, loss of muscle tone and decreased resilience to stress. These symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, which is why thoughtful assessment is important.
Why it can be confusing — especially for women:
Guidelines for testosterone therapy are clearer for men than for women. For women, formal recommendations are more limited and often focus only on the specific diagnosis of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. There are also no widely available, standardized testosterone products manufactured specifically for female dosing in many countries. This makes it more confusing for physicians to prescribe.
Another source of confusion is laboratory reporting. Some lab ranges for women list the normal range as “less than” a number meaning zero would qualify as normal. This can make it difficult to interpret results without clinical context. Symptoms, medical history and overall health matter just as much as a single lab value.
Formulations and dosing:
Testosterone therapy is typically delivered through gels, patches, creams or injections, depending on the individual and the country or region. Topical options such as creams and gels are commonly used because they allow gradual absorption and flexible dosing. Patches are another option for steady delivery. The goal is to reach a physiologic range, not to exceed it.
Why staying within range matters:
More is not always better with hormones. Supratherapeutic (too high) testosterone levels can increase the risk of side effects such as acne, hair changes, mood shifts, sleep disturbance or unfavorable cholesterol changes. In women, excessively high levels can also lead to voice deepening or menstrual changes. Sustained, high testosterone levels (above the normal range) increases strain on the heart. Careful dosing and periodic monitoring help maintain benefits while minimizing risks.
Important considerations for men:
For men who may want children in the future, testosterone therapy is generally contraindicated. External testosterone can reduce sperm production and affect fertility. For men who have completed their families and have clinically confirmed low testosterone with symptoms, therapy can be life-enhancing. It is also important to understand that, much like thyroid or insulin therapy, benefits typically continue only while treatment continues. Stopping therapy often means symptoms gradually return.
Reducing stigma and increasing comfort
Hormone health should be viewed the same way we view blood pressure or cholesterol — as part of whole-body wellness, not something to feel embarrassed about. Modern testosterone therapies are discreet and easy to use, especially topical options applied once daily. For many people, the conversation itself is the hardest step, yet it often leads to meaningful improvements in energy, confidence, and quality of life.
The bottom line
Testosterone is not just a “male hormone,” and it is not only about sexuality or athletics. It is one piece of a complex hormonal system that affects how we feel day to day. While guidelines — especially for women — continue to evolve, thoughtful, individualized care with careful dosing and monitoring can be both safe and effective. There is no need for stigma. Feeling comfortable in your body and having the energy to live fully is something everyone deserves.