Why Women Need Testosterone (And Why It’s Overlooked)

Why Women Need Testosterone (And Why It’s Overlooked)

When most people think about testosterone, they associate it with men’s health—muscle growth, strength, libido. But the reality is, testosterone is just as essential for women, playing a vital role in physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Unfortunately, the medical system often overlooks this fact, leaving countless women undiagnosed and untreated when it comes to testosterone deficiencies.

Why Women Need Testosterone

Although women produce far less testosterone than men, it’s a hormone that’s crucial for maintaining health in a variety of ways.

1. Energy and Vitality
   Testosterone plays a key role in women’s energy levels. Low testosterone can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of sluggishness. Women with optimal testosterone levels often report feeling more energetic and able to take on their daily tasks with greater ease.

2. Muscle Mass and Bone Density
   As we age, maintaining muscle mass and bone density becomes increasingly important—especially for women, who are more prone to osteoporosis. Testosterone is essential for supporting lean muscle mass and bone strength, helping women prevent frailty and injury as they get older.

3. Libido and Sexual Function
   While estrogen and progesterone are often the focus when it comes to women’s sexual health, testosterone also plays a critical role. Low testosterone can lead to decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, and a lack of sexual satisfaction. Restoring testosterone to optimal levels often helps improve sexual desire and performance.

4. Mood Regulation
   Testosterone affects neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for mood regulation. Women with low testosterone often experience mood swings, depression, and a general sense of apathy. Balanced testosterone levels help promote emotional stability and enhance overall well-being.

5. Cognitive Function
   Testosterone has been linked to better cognitive function, including improved memory and focus. Women with low testosterone levels may experience brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Optimizing testosterone levels can enhance mental clarity and prevent cognitive decline as women age.

The Medical System’s Blind Spot

So, if testosterone is so important for women, why is it often ignored by healthcare providers? The issue lies in a combination of outdated medical perspectives and the overemphasis on estrogen and progesterone as the primary hormones in women’s health.

1. Historical Focus on Estrogen and Progesterone
   For decades, the focus of women’s hormone therapy has been on estrogen and progesterone, particularly for women going through menopause. While these hormones are undoubtedly important, the oversight of testosterone has left many women feeling that their concerns are dismissed or inadequately addressed.

2. Testosterone Misconceptions
   Many in the medical community still associate testosterone almost exclusively with men, believing that women need only small, insignificant amounts. The idea of supplementing testosterone in women is often seen as unconventional, leading many providers to shy away from recommending it, even when women clearly exhibit signs of deficiency.

3. Symptoms of Low Testosterone Are Overlooked
   Symptoms of low testosterone in women—such as fatigue, low libido, and muscle weakness—are often misattributed to other causes. Women are frequently told that these issues are simply part of aging or are caused by stress, depression, or lifestyle factors. While these issues can contribute, the underlying hormonal imbalance is often missed.

4. Inadequate Testing and Diagnosis
   Many doctors don’t test for testosterone levels in women as part of routine hormonal evaluations. When tests are done, the “normal” range for women’s testosterone is often set too low, meaning that even women with clear signs of deficiency can be told that their levels are within normal limits. This leads to underdiagnosis and untreated hormonal imbalances.

A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Health

At Sigma Health, we take a different approach. We recognize that testosterone is just as vital for women’s health as it is for men. When women come to us with symptoms like low energy, decreased libido, or difficulty building muscle, we include testosterone in our comprehensive hormone evaluations—not as an afterthought, but as a critical part of the picture.

Our philosophy is rooted in understanding the body’s hormonal ecosystem and that means considering how testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones work together to create balance. If one piece is missing or out of sync, the whole system suffers.

The Benefits of Testosterone Therapy for Women

Many women who undergo bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy report a profound improvement in their overall quality of life. Testosterone therapy can:

• Restore energy levels and reduce fatigue.

• Increase lean muscle mass and promote fat loss.

• Improve sexual desire, satisfaction, and performance.

• Enhance mood, reduce feelings of depression, and improve emotional stability.

• Sharpen cognitive function and prevent brain fog.

Is Testosterone Therapy Right for You?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone—such as fatigue, low libido, or difficulty maintaining muscle mass—it may be time to consider testosterone therapy as part of your overall wellness plan.

It’s time to stop overlooking testosterone and start recognizing the crucial role it plays in women’s health. If your symptoms have been brushed off or attributed to aging, stress, or mood, schedule a consultation today. You deserve to feel strong, vibrant, and fully alive—and testosterone therapy may be the missing piece.