Testosterone's role in women's health and menopause

Medical experts are discussing the role of testosterone in women, particularly regarding its impact on libido, energy, and overall well-being during and after menopause. While often viewed as a male hormone, testosterone is essential for women, supporting muscle strength, bone health, concentration, and motivation.

According to gynecologists, testosterone levels in women typically begin to decline gradually around age 30. Symptoms of a deficiency can include decreased muscle strength, increased body fat, fatigue, depressive moods, and loss of sexual desire. Specifically, international guidelines note that testosterone is an effective treatment for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

However, experts caution that symptoms like fatigue and low libido are non-specific and can be caused by other factors such as thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or chronic stress. A diagnosis should not rely on a single blood value but must consider the overall clinical picture and laboratory results.