Why Testosterone in Women Is Being Radically Misunderstood—And What Experts Say You Need to Know

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in women that remains severely underutilized in medical practice, despite evidence showing it plays a crucial role in sexual health, bone strength, muscle function, and overall quality of life. A leading urologist and sexual medicine specialist argues that fear and misconceptions around testosterone replacement in women are causing more harm than good, and that this hormone should be viewed as part of a foundational three-hormone approach alongside estradiol and progesterone.

Why Is Testosterone So Misunderstood in Women?

Testosterone has long been stereotyped as a "male hormone," but women produce it naturally in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Despite this biological reality, many healthcare providers remain hesitant to prescribe testosterone therapy for women, often due to outdated concerns or lack of training. This reluctance means many women suffering from low testosterone symptoms go untreated. The conversation around women's testosterone has been dominated by myths rather than evidence, leaving a significant gap between what science shows and what patients actually receive.

What Does Testosterone Actually Do Beyond Sexual Function?

While sexual dysfunction is often the most visible symptom of low testosterone in women, the hormone's influence extends far beyond the bedroom. According to experts, testosterone affects multiple body systems and contributes to overall health and vitality. Understanding these broader benefits helps explain why testosterone deficiency can feel so debilitating.

• Bone Health and Density: Testosterone plays a critical role in maintaining bone strength and density, which becomes increasingly important as women age and face higher fracture risk.
• Muscle Function and Strength: This hormone supports muscle development, maintenance, and strength—factors that decline significantly without adequate testosterone levels.
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: Testosterone influences heart health, metabolic function, and energy regulation throughout the body.
• Cognitive Function and Mental Health: Emerging evidence suggests testosterone contributes to mood, motivation, and cognitive performance in women.

"Testosterone should be seen as part of a three-hormone foundation alongside estradiol and progesterone," explains Prof Mohit Khera, a urologist and sexual medicine specialist. "This is a powerful discussion about a hormone women make naturally, the wide-ranging health benefits it offers, and why being scared to replace it is often doing more harm than good".

Why Does Treating Only One Partner Create Problems?

One surprising insight from recent expert discussions is that sexual dysfunction is rarely an individual problem confined to one person. When couples experience sexual difficulties, treating only one partner—typically the woman—can actually create new relationship challenges rather than resolve them. This underscores why testosterone therapy needs to be approached holistically, considering both partners' health and the relational context. Experts emphasize that sexual health is fundamentally a partnership issue, not just an individual medical condition.

The broader conversation around women's hormones has evolved significantly in recent years. Experts now recognize that hormones influence far more than reproduction. According to endocrinologists and hormone specialists, hormones affect the brain, immune system, metabolism, bones, and cardiovascular health. When hormone imbalance is overlooked or misunderstood—as is often the case with testosterone—the consequences ripple across multiple body systems and long-term health outcomes.

What's Changing in How Doctors Approach Women's Testosterone?

A growing movement among specialists is pushing back against the fear-based approach to testosterone therapy in women. Rather than viewing testosterone replacement as risky or unnecessary, leading experts argue that the real risk lies in leaving women undertreated. This shift reflects a broader recognition that women's hormonal health has been systematically deprioritized in medical research and practice. As more physicians become educated about the evidence supporting testosterone therapy, patient access and treatment options are beginning to expand.

The key takeaway from current expert consensus is clear: testosterone is not something to fear in women, but rather a powerful tool for improving quality of life, sexual health, bone strength, and overall wellbeing. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone—including low libido, fatigue, mood changes, or loss of muscle tone—a conversation with your healthcare provider about hormone assessment and potential testosterone therapy may be worth having. The evidence suggests that understanding and properly treating testosterone deficiency in women could transform health outcomes for millions.