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Testosterone isn’t Just for Men—And it Deserves to be Part of a Woman’s Health Conversation

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A recent New York Times article, “Testosterone Is Giving Women Back Their Sex Drive but Risks Side Effects” by Susan Dominus, is sparking an overdue conversation: testosterone is not just a “male hormone.” It’s vital to women’s energy, mood, metabolism, bone density, and sexual well-being—yet most women never hear about it from their doctors. In addition, testosterone frequently decreases in many younger women well before the onset of menopause or perimenopause, which lessens the chance even more for awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment.

At the Age Management Center, we believe that silence serves no one. Women deserve accurate information, responsible care, and the opportunity to feel like themselves again.

Understanding Testosterone for Women

Although it surprises many people, testosterone is the most abundant sex hormone across a woman’s lifespan—and an important hormone for all genders. A testosterone deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms often misdiagnosed and misattributed to estrogen changes, thyroid dysfunction, or even “just getting older.”

Common signs of low testosterone in women include:

  • Low energy or chronic fatigue
  • Reduced libido or loss of sexual satisfaction
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep
  • Cognitive decline or brain fog
  • Muscle loss or reduced endurance
  • Weight gain, especially around the midsection
  • Joint, breast, or skeletal pain
  • Incontinence

Because testosterone receptors are found throughout the uterus, breasts, heart, brain, lungs, muscles, nerves, and bones, this single hormone influences nearly every aspect of female wellness. Yet despite decades of research confirming its role in women’s health, testosterone deficiency often goes untested and untreated—especially in women in their 30s and 40s.

What We See with Our Female Patients

Many of the women who visit the Age Management Center tell a similar story:
they’ve been dismissed, told their fatigue or low libido is “normal,” or offered antidepressants instead of answers.

When we evaluate hormone health comprehensively—including total and free testosterone, SHBG, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA — we often find that low testosterone is the missing piece. Once restored to optimal, not excessive, levels, patients often describe a renewed sense of vitality, confidence, and emotional balance.

As the New York Times article highlighted, some women outside medical supervision are being overprescribed testosterone in unregulated settings. High doses can cause side effects like acne, voice deepening, or hair changes—all avoidable when therapy is personalized, measured, and closely monitored.

That’s why we emphasize evidence-based, physician-guided hormone therapy—not trends or shortcuts. This is where experience counts. At AMC we have over 50 years of collective experience among our providers. 

The Importance of Monitoring and Dosing Correctly

Testosterone therapy can be transformative, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. The goal isn’t to “boost” levels—it’s to restore balance. That’s why our approach includes:

  • Individualized lab testing before treatment and at regular intervals
  • Symptom tracking and follow-up to ensure results align with well-being
  • Adjustments based on data, not guesswork
  • Cross-hormone evaluation, since estrogen and progesterone interact with testosterone

Proper monitoring prevents the side effects seen in unregulated clinics and ensures patients receive the maximum benefit safely.

Testosterone Therapy Options

No hormone should be approached in isolation. At Age Management Center, we tailor testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to meet each individual’s goals, backed by providers with extensive experience in both hormone optimization and traditional medicine.  

Testosterone replacement can take several forms. These include topicals. Pellets and weekly self-injection with very small amounts. The choice is the patients’, but we will have an opinion on what is best for each person. We often recommend injectable testosterone for both men and women because it offers the most control, consistency, and predictable results. Studies show higher satisfaction, stable hormone levels, and fewer side effects when therapy is carefully managed this way.

Managing Expectations

While testosterone can significantly improve energy, focus, and sexual well-being, it’s not a cure-all. Healthy hormone balance works best alongside quality sleep, good nutrition, regular movement, and emotional and relationship well-being. We help our patients understand that sustainable improvement comes from addressing the whole picture—not just one lab number.

Our Takeaway

As the New York Times article highlighted, women are increasingly turning to testosterone to feel like themselves again—and many are finding life-changing results. But hormone therapy should always be managed by qualified professionals who understand the nuance of dosing, monitoring, and safety.

At Age Management Center, we’re proud to provide that level of care. We take a whole-body, evidence-based approach that prioritizes safety, symptom relief, and long-term wellness.

Book a Free, Confidential Screening

No hormone should be ignored based on gender. If you’re experiencing low energy, decreased motivation, or changes in libido or focus, your testosterone levels could be part of the story. Let’s find out—safely, confidently, and together.

Schedule your free consultation today at www.agemanagementcenter.com