Testosterone has been having a moment in the news, especially when it comes to women.
Prescriptions for testosterone among women rose 146 percent between January 2023 and July 2026, according to an analysis reported by Reuters. And, just this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a public workshop specifically examining testosterone use in menopausal women, as researchers continue to study its potential role in sexual function, cognition, mood and musculoskeletal health.
The attention is raising an important question: What does testosterone actually do for women?
Turns out, testosterone plays an important role in female physiology, and its effects extend beyond sexual health. From muscle and energy to focus and stamina, testosterone is one piece of the body’s complex hormonal system.
“Testosterone is necessary for muscle production, healthy nerves, stamina and endurance, regardless of your gender,” says Dr. Mary Van, Clinical Director at ThriveX Medical.
Testosterone Is Important for Women
Although testosterone is commonly associated with men, women naturally produce it, too. The amount differs between the sexes and changes throughout life, but both men and women need testosterone for normal physiological function.
According to ThriveX’s Clinical Director Dr. Mary Van, the key isn’t simply having more or less testosterone. It’s understanding where a person’s levels fall and how testosterone fits into their broader hormonal picture. She says that testosterone contributes to maintaining muscle mass and strength and also plays a role in sexual function, energy and overall well-being. That means low or unusually high levels may affect the body in ways people don’t immediately associate with hormones.
“With any hormone, it’s not about the hormone itself, but whether or not that hormone lies in balance with the other hormones,” she explains.
What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone?
Hormonal changes don’t always produce one obvious symptom. Instead, people may notice a collection of changes that can easily be attributed to stress, aging, poor sleep or a busy lifestyle.
Dr. Van says potential signs of low testosterone can include increased body fat, low energy, difficulty focusing, memory changes and changes in sexual function.
“Sometimes the symptoms are an increase in body fat, lack of memory, lack of energy, lack of focus, as well as the ability to orgasm,” she says. “Those are all red flags.”
These symptoms don’t automatically mean testosterone is the problem. Many can have multiple possible causes, which is why symptoms should be evaluated alongside medical history and appropriate laboratory testing rather than used to self-diagnose a hormonal imbalance.
Can Testosterone Be Too High?
More testosterone isn’t necessarily better.
Elevated testosterone can also be associated with health concerns, particularly in women. For example, higher androgen levels are commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can involve irregular menstrual cycles, fertility challenges and other symptoms.
That’s another reason hormone care should focus on balance rather than simply increasing a particular hormone based on symptoms alone.
The bottom line, according to Dr. Van: if you’re experiencing persistent changes in energy, body composition, concentration or sexual function, a conversation with a qualified healthcare provider can help determine whether hormone testing is appropriate.
Bloodwork can provide one piece of the picture, but hormone levels should be interpreted alongside symptoms, age, medical history and other relevant health factors.
And testing can sometimes reveal an imbalance you didn’t know was there. As Dr. Van puts it, “You may find that you have too much or too little.”