Testosterone has different functions in male and female bodies. In this episode, we're focusing on the role testosterone plays for women specifically and why this hormone is so important. Estrogen and testosterone are usually seen as opposites, but the truth is they actually work together to maintain an equilibrium in the woman's body.

Though present in much lower quantities in women than in men, it contributes to a woman's bone strength, mood, mental clarity, and ambition. Testosterone influences physical features and aspects of personality like muscle mass, motivation, and the desire to succeed. In women, it subtly compliments estrogen to create a complete portrait of a woman's health.

Testosterone is an androgenic hormone—the king of all androgens. It's produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and some tissues. Testosterone is important for sexual desire in women. Various methods of birth control can impact the product of testosterone, thereby lowering your sex drive.

If you feel tired, depressed, and seem to be gaining weight, low testosterone could be the underlying cause. Testosterone declines with age in women, and this is because the ovaries and adrenal glands naturally lower their production over time. In an ideal world, women would have their testosterone levels tested early to establish a baseline to distinguish if their levels have dropped later on.

Overall, there is more to be uncovered and understood about testosterone in women. For example, we have defined an optimal level for women, but there is no "normal" amount defined. The level target for replacing your testosterone, if you go this route, will likely be more than your natural baseline. Your health professional will likely recommend 10% of what's healthy in a male, and some will aim for more.

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