Why Women Need Testosterone Too — And How to Support It Naturally
When people hear “testosterone,” they often think of it as a “male” hormone. But the truth is — women produce and need testosterone, too. While we make less of it than men, it plays a critical role in energy, mood, strength, libido, and even bone health. Let’s explore why testosterone is important for women, common questions about it, and how you can support healthy hormone levels with nutrition.
Why Do Women Need Testosterone?
Testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues. In women, it supports:
- Muscle tone & strength
- Bone density
- Cognitive function & mood stability
- Sex drive & arousal
- Energy & motivation
Low testosterone in women can contribute to fatigue, depression, low libido, difficulty building muscle, weight gain, and bone loss — especially during perimenopause and menopause when hormones naturally shift.
What causes low testosterone in women?
Several factors can lower testosterone in women:
- Age (levels decline naturally with age)
- Chronic stress (impacts adrenal production)
- Eating disorders or low body fat
- Certain medications (like steroids or birth control)
- Ovarian removal or menopause
How do I know if my testosterone is low?
Symptoms of low testosterone can include:
- Low libido
- Fatigue or lack of motivation
- Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
- Thinning hair
- Decreased bone density
- Mood changes, like irritability or depression
Why testing matters?
Testing your hormones is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health, vitality, and weight management — because hormones don’t work in isolation. Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and even vitamin D all interact, and even subtle imbalances can affect how you feel, how you look, and how your body responds to diet and exercise.
At Tucson Wellness MD, we offer a comprehensive hormone panel that goes beyond the basics to give you a complete picture of your hormonal health. Below is how each key hormone contributes to both weight loss and vitality — and why balancing them is so important:
Testosterone
Drives muscle tone, energy, libido, and fat metabolism.
- For Fat Burning: Builds muscle, increases metabolism, reduces abdominal fat, and improves insulin sensitivity.
- For Vitality: Strengthens bones, improves cognitive function, boosts libido, supports heart health, immunity, and long-term physical strength.
Estrogen
Essential for bone health, mood, metabolism, and fat distribution.
- For Fat Burning: Regulates fat storage, boosts metabolism, reduces visceral fat, and improves insulin sensitivity — especially after menopause.
- For Vitality: Protects bones and the heart, enhances mood, cognition, and skin health, and helps protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Progesterone
Balances estrogen, promotes restful sleep, and helps manage stress.
- For Fat Burning: Supports thyroid function, regulates blood sugar, reduces fat storage and water retention, and improves body composition.
- For Vitality: Reduces inflammation, supports bone health, enhances sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function, and may lower breast cancer risk.
DHEA
A precursor to other hormones that supports energy, mood, and body composition.
- For Fat Burning: Boosts thermogenesis, targets abdominal fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps build lean muscle.
- For Vitality: Offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to support immunity, brain health, bones, and heart function.
Vitamin D3
Technically a hormone, it plays a vital role in mood, immunity, energy, and weight regulation.
- For Fat Burning: Helps regulate fat cell growth, enhances fat metabolism, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports muscle function.
- For Vitality: Strengthens bones, reduces inflammation, supports heart and immune health, and may help lower cancer risk.
By testing these hormones together — rather than just checking one or two — we can help uncover the root cause of symptoms and design a personalized plan to help you feel vibrant, strong, and in control of your health again.
Can women take testosterone therapy?
Yes — under medical supervision, women with clinically low testosterone may benefit from therapy. This can come in the form of creams, gels, pellets, or injections. Always work with a knowledgeable provider to monitor levels and avoid excessive dosing. At Tucson Wellness MD, we offer testosterone therapy in the forms of pellets or injections, ask us about pricing!
How to Support Healthy Hormones Through Nutrition
While medical treatment may sometimes be necessary, nutrition and lifestyle are foundational for healthy hormones — including testosterone. A holistic lifestyle, rooted in whole foods and rich micronutrients, is a powerful way to nurture your hormones and overall health. For personalized advice, consult a qualified dietitian/nutritionist. Here’s how to support your body naturally:
Eat Enough Protein & Healthy Fats
- Adequate protein (like chicken, fish, lean beef, and eggs) supports muscle and hormone production.
- Healthy fats (from avocado, olive oil, coconut, and fatty fish) are crucial because cholesterol is a building block for hormones.
Balance Blood Sugar
- Excessive sugar and insulin spikes can disrupt hormone balance. Focus on complex carbs (like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and veggies) paired with protein and healthful fat.
Include Micronutrient-Rich Foods
- Zinc: oysters, beef, pumpkin, spinach
- Magnesium: leafy greens, avocado, squash
- Vitamin D: salmon, egg yolks, or get sunlight exposure
- B-vitamins (B6, B12, folate): meats and poultry, fish, and starchy vegetables like potatoes, and leafy green vegetables
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers
- Iodine: fish, dairy products, iodized salt
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, tuna, and fish
Prioritize Sleep & Stress Reduction
- Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can lower testosterone. Sleep, relaxation, and stress management are just as important as food.
Take the Next Step Toward Balanced Hormones
Testosterone is a vital hormone for women, supporting your energy, strength, mood, and overall health — at every stage of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone or want to better understand your hormone health, we’re here to help.
Reach out to Tucson Wellness MD today to schedule your consultation. Ask us about our comprehensive lab panels to assess your hormone levels and learn more about our hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options and pricing. Your journey to balanced hormones and feeling your best starts here — let us guide you!
