When most people hear the word testosterone, they associate it with men. Testosterone is a critical hormone for women and plays an important role in many aspects of health for both sexes. Understanding how testosterone functions in the body—and how levels change with age—can help explain why some people experience shifts in energy, mood, metabolism, and physical performance as they get older.
Testosterone is produced primarily in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. Although the levels differ significantly between the sexes, testosterone contributes to a variety of physiological processes in both men and women. These include maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone density, regulating fat distribution, influencing mood and cognitive function, and supporting sexual health.
Testosterone in Women
Women produce roughly one-tenth the amount of testosterone that men produce, yet it remains an important hormone throughout a woman’s life. Testosterone helps support muscle strength, physical endurance, sexual desire, and overall vitality. It also plays a role in bone health and may influence motivation and cognitive clarity.
Testosterone levels in women gradually decline with age, often beginning in the 30s and continuing through menopause. In addition, surgical removal of the ovaries or certain medical conditions may result in lower testosterone levels. Some women report symptoms such as decreased libido, reduced muscle strength, fatigue, and diminished motivation during midlife, although these symptoms can have many possible causes and should be evaluated in the context of overall health.
Testosterone in Men
In men, testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. It supports muscle development, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, and sperm production. Testosterone also influences mood, motivation, and cognitive performance.
Beginning around age 30, testosterone levels in men tend to decline gradually—typically about 1–2% per year. While this change is a normal part of aging, some men experience a more significant decline that may be associated with symptoms such as fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced libido, or difficulty concentrating.
Evaluating Testosterone Levels
Because many symptoms associated with low testosterone can also be caused by other medical conditions, evaluation typically involves a comprehensive approach. This may include reviewing symptoms, assessing lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, stress, and physical activity, and measuring hormone levels through laboratory testing.
For both men and women, testosterone levels should be interpreted in the context of the individual’s age, symptoms, and overall health profile. In women, particularly, accurate measurement often requires sensitive laboratory testing methods due to the naturally lower levels present.
Therapeutic Use of Testosterone
When clinically indicated and carefully monitored, testosterone therapy may be used to help restore hormone levels to a physiologic range. In men with confirmed low testosterone and symptoms, treatment may improve energy, body composition, sexual function, and overall wellbeing. In women, testosterone therapy is considered for specific conditions such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, when other contributing factors have been addressed.
As with any medical therapy, treatment decisions should be individualized and made in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
At Evolve Menopause & Cardiometabolic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to hormone health for both men and women. Our evaluations include detailed symptom assessments, advanced laboratory testing, and personalized treatment plans that may incorporate hormone therapy, metabolic health optimization, and lifestyle strategies to support long-term wellbeing. Our goal is to help patients better understand their hormones and develop evidence-based strategies that support energy, vitality, and healthy aging.
