Is It Safe to Raise Free Testosterone Levels for Women? What the Science Says

Concerns about raising free testosterone levels for women often stem from misconceptions about this significant hormone. Testosterone is the predominant sex hormone in female physiology, with levels 10-20 times higher than those of estradiol throughout a woman's lifespan. Yet by menopause, testosterone levels may have decreased by half of what they once were. One in three women struggles with low sexual desire, and understanding whether it's safe to address declining testosterone becomes vital. We'll explore what the science says about raising testosterone in women, including whether women produce testosterone and the signs of low testosterone women should recognize. We'll also cover normal testosterone in women and the safety profile of various treatment approaches.

Understanding Testosterone in Women: Do Women Produce Testosterone?

Women produce testosterone through multiple pathways in their bodies. The ovaries contribute approximately 33% of circulating testosterone ^[1], while the adrenal glands and ovaries together produce androstenedione. Peripheral tissues convert this to testosterone ^[1]. This distributed production system means about one quarter comes from the ovaries, one quarter from the adrenal glands, and half from peripheral tissue conversion ^[2].

The amounts women produce are much lower than men. Female bodies make approximately 1/10th to 1/20th of male testosterone levels ^[3]. Normal ranges for premenopausal women fall between 15 to 70 ng/dL ^[3], though some research indicates levels between 10 to 55 ng/dL ^[4]. For a typical 30-year-old woman, the reference range spans 15-46 ng/dL for total testosterone ^[5]. Postmenopausal women see levels drop to 7-40 ng/dL ^[4].

Testosterone supports several functions in female physiology. The hormone helps maintain bone density and muscle mass while boosting energy, mood, and libido ^[6]. Most ovarian testosterone converts to estradiol ^[2], but the unconverted portion plays direct roles in sexual function, cognitive performance, and physical strength ^[2].

Testosterone levels peak in women's late 20s ^[6]. Serum concentrations show an age-related decrease throughout the reproductive years ^[5].

The Science on Safety: What Research Says About Raising Free Testosterone

Recent clinical trials provide data on testosterone therapy safety for women that is reassuring. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that testosterone supplementation improved sexual desire, pleasure, arousal, and orgasm in postmenopausal women ^[7]. Transdermal testosterone shows no adverse effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, renal function, liver function, or blood cell indices at low doses that approximate premenopausal physiologic levels ^[7].

Short-term studies up to 24 months demonstrate favorable safety profiles ^[2]. But long-term safety data beyond 2 years remains limited ^[7]. The APHRODITE trial found no increased rates of acne or voice changes at doses up to 300 µg/d over 12 months ^[2].

Common side effects at appropriate doses include acne and increased body or facial hair growth at application sites ^[8]. Severe effects like scalp hair thinning, voice deepening, and clitoral enlargement occur only when blood levels exceed the female physiologic range ^[8].

Breast cancer research shows conflicting results. Testosterone appears to decrease breast tissue proliferation, while some observational data suggested concerns ^[2]. Multiple studies report no increased short-term breast cancer risk with transdermal testosterone ^[9], though long-term data remain insufficient ^[2].

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, or uncontrolled hyperlipidemia should avoid testosterone therapy [8]. Patients require monitoring every 6 months for clinical response and androgen excess signs ^[7].

Signs of Low Testosterone Women Experience and When Treatment May Be Considered

Low libido stands out as the most recognized symptom of testosterone deficiency in women ^[10]. Beyond sexual concerns, symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone loss, dysphoric mood (anxiety, irritability, depression), lack of well-being, cognitive changes, memory loss, insomnia, joint pain, and vaginal dryness ^[11]. Weight gain and difficulty keeping muscle mass often accompany declining testosterone levels ^[1].

Low testosterone in women proves hard to diagnose. Many symptoms overlap with low estrogen, thyroid dysfunction, depression, PCOS, and other conditions ^[12]. Blood tests show testosterone levels, but results fluctuate with menstrual cycles and don't reflect active testosterone in tissues ^[12].

Treatment requires specific criteria to consider. The only evidence-based indication for testosterone therapy remains Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women ^[9]. HSDD involves a lack of sexual desire that lasts at least 6 months with personal distress ^[13]. The 2024 NICE Menopause guidelines state that testosterone can be an option for menopausal women with low sexual desire if HRT alone hasn't worked ^[11].

Data supporting testosterone use for other symptoms or disease prevention remains insufficient ^[9]. Treatment runs 3 to 6 months ^[14]. If no improvement occurs after 6 months, therapy should stop ^[7]. Multiple medical societies advise against testosterone therapy in women with cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers ^[15].

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Conclusion

Raising testosterone levels in women can be safe when done right. Evidence supports transdermal testosterone for postmenopausal women with HSDD, especially when prescribed at physiologic doses with proper monitoring. Short-term studies show favorable safety profiles, though long-term data remains limited beyond two years. We recommend consulting a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment aligns with current evidence-based guidelines for your specific situation before you think about testosterone therapy.

FAQs

Q1. How can women naturally increase their testosterone levels? Women can support healthy testosterone levels through lifestyle approaches, including regular strength training and resistance exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, managing stress levels, and ensuring sufficient intake of nutrients like zinc and vitamin D. However, if you have clinically low testosterone causing significant symptoms, natural methods may not be sufficient; Testosterone Matrix and medical intervention under professional guidance may be necessary.

Q2. What causes low free testosterone in women? Low testosterone in women typically results from natural aging, with levels declining gradually throughout the reproductive years and dropping significantly after menopause. Other causes include surgical removal of the ovaries, adrenal gland disorders, certain medications (particularly hormonal contraceptives), chronic stress, and underlying health conditions. By menopause, testosterone levels may decrease to half of what they were during peak reproductive years.

Q3. Is testosterone therapy recommended for women going through perimenopause? Current evidence-based guidelines primarily support testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) when hormone replacement therapy alone hasn't been effective. For perimenopausal women, treatment decisions should be individualized and made in consultation with a healthcare provider, as there is limited data supporting testosterone use outside of the specific indication of HSDD in postmenopausal women.

Q4. What are the potential side effects of testosterone therapy in women? Common side effects at appropriate doses include acne, increased body or facial hair growth at application sites, and excessive sweating. More severe effects like scalp hair thinning, voice deepening, and clitoral enlargement typically only occur when blood levels exceed the normal female range. When prescribed at physiologic doses with proper monitoring, testosterone therapy shows no adverse effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, or liver and kidney function.

Q5. How long does it take to see results from testosterone treatment in women? Treatment typically runs for 3 to 6 months before evaluating effectiveness. If no improvement in symptoms occurs after 6 months of therapy, treatment should be discontinued. Women require monitoring every 6 months for clinical response and signs of androgen excess to ensure the therapy remains safe and effective.

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Dr. Peter Kassner, NMD - Biography

Dr. Peter Kassner, NMD, is the founding CEO of Health Natura, bringing 29 years of painstaking dedication to the field of naturopathic medicine. His journey in natural healing began in 1993 at the age of 17, when he embarked on his first apprenticeship before even completing high school...

Dr. Kassner established his first pain clinic, Clinical Therapeutics, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1996. This eventually evolved into Health Natura, LLC in 2005, reflecting his expanded mission to make Integrative Medicine accessible to those seeking alternatives to conventional treatments.

Throughout his clinical career, Dr. Kassner developed Unparalleled Expertise in immunology, cancer treatment protocols, endocrinology, acute and chronic infectious disease management, neuro-immunology, endocrine-immunology, thyroid iodine therapy, and Lyme disease interventions. His extensive training includes certifications in clinical massage, cranial sacral therapy, energy medicine, homeopathy, herbology, Chinese herbology, acupuncture, reflexology, EAV energy diagnostics, IV chelation, chemistry, and supplement compounding.

After obtaining both Masters and Doctoral degrees in Naturopathic Medicine, in 2005, dissatisfied with the state of commercial supplements, Dr. Kassner established Health Natura's first laboratory, specializing in Custom Compounding of preservative-free, excipient-free formulations with minimal ingredients. This commitment to purity and efficacy led him to retire from clinical practice in 2012 to focus entirely on Health Natura's supplement program.

Dr. Kassner's approach to naturopathic medicine has been profoundly shaped by his extensive travels throughout Western countries and Asia, where he studied diverse healing traditions. This global perspective informs his unique philosophy: delivering High-Quality, Personalized Wellness Solutions rather than mass-produced alternatives with compromised ingredients...

Today, Dr. Kassner continues to revolutionize the supplement industry through careful formulation and ethical sourcing, making Health Natura a trusted resource for those seeking superior natural health products.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Statements of potential therapeutic value are the opinion of Dr. Kassner, ND, and are based on his personal and clinical experience. They should not be construed to endorse, condone or promote the use of any product as a medical treatment for any condition. Consult a medical professional before engaging in any self-care or nutritional supplement regimen to ensure safe and appropriate use. 

Dr. Kassner has been active in the field of alternative medicine since 1991. 

References

[1] - https://drbrighten.com/low-testosterone-in-women/
[2] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10522198/
[3] - https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/do-women-have-testosterone
[4] - https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/testosterone-levels-by-age
[5] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21771278/
[6] - https://atlanticurologyclinics.com/blog/how-to-treat-low-testosterone-in-females/
[7] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7098532/
[8] - https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/testosterone-therapy-for-women
[9] - https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/10/4660/5556103
[10] - https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/low-testosterone-in-women-symptoms-and-causes-2127551
[11] - https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/the-importance-of-testosterone-for-women
[12] - https://www.bodylogicmd.com/blog/what-are-the-real-effects-of-low-testosterone-in-women/
[13] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10522204/
[14] - https://www.gaurology.com/a-tale-of-two-therapies-trt-and-hrt-in-women/
[15] - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/testosterone-in-women