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, do not give the full picture.

Testosterone is an important, but frequently overlooked, part of women’s health during menopause.

Testosterone isn’t just a hormone for men. Women also need testosterone, and it can help women feel strong, balanced, and full of life during those middle years.

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 were never bother before

Functional medicine looks at the whole person, which means checking testosterone is just as important as checking estrogen and progesterone. 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, resulting in fewer foggy days and more pep in the 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 women reconnect with their body and their partner.
• Supports Bone and Muscle Health: Testosterone works alongside DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone], 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 2013 scientific paper published in Maturitas refuted 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.

The paper stated that 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

If the symptoms resonate, consider these steps:

Talk to the Doctor: Ask about a full hormone panel—not just estrogen and progesterone. Ask for to be tested for total and free testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as well as DHEA-S. A functional medicine approach will look at  hormones plus nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress. Be sure to find someone who listens, understands the concerns and has expertise in this area.

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, and nuts and their oils
• Decrease alcohol consumption
• Optimize Vitamin D

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.

Monitor Levels: Testosterone can be converted into estrogen or DHT, a stronger testosterone, that can cause acne, facial hair or hair loss on the head. Consider working with a functional medicine doctor thatknows how to stop the conversion, balance the hormones, and provide a holistic approach to health.

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

A Fresh Perspective on Menopause

Menopause doesn’t signal the end of life—it marks the beginning of a new chapter. When hormones are balanced, this stage of life can be embraced, resulting in feeling vibrant, empowered, and fully alive with a greater sense of self-confidence, wellbeing, strength, vitality and libido.

Adapted from the post Testosterone’s Benefits for Women in Menopause, which first appeared on Vibrance for Life. Adapted and reprinted with permission.