WOMEN’S HORMONAL HEALTH

Women’s Testosterone: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Testosterone is widely understood as the primary male sex hormone — but women produce it too, in smaller amounts, and it plays a critical role in female health. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone in women supports libido, energy, muscle mass, bone density, mood, and cognitive function. When levels decline — which begins gradually after age 30 and accelerates through perimenopause — the effects are real and often misattributed to stress, aging, or depression.

Signs of Low Testosterone in Women

• Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Reduced libido and sexual satisfaction
• Difficulty building or maintaining muscle despite exercise
• Increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen
• Low mood, reduced motivation, and emotional flatness
• Brain fog and reduced mental sharpness
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Reduced bone density

Why Testosterone Declines in Women

Female testosterone peaks in the mid-twenties and declines at approximately 1–2% per year thereafter. By the time a woman reaches menopause, testosterone levels may be half of what they were at peak. Contributing factors include:

• Ovarian aging — the ovaries produce less testosterone as they age
• Adrenal fatigue — chronic stress depletes DHEA, a precursor to testosterone
• Oral contraceptive use — increases sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds testosterone and reduces free (active) levels
• Low-fat diets — dietary fat is the raw material for steroid hormone synthesis; very low fat intake impairs testosterone production
• Overtraining — excessive exercise without adequate recovery suppresses hormonal output

Natural Support for Female Testosterone

Ashwagandha (KSM-66®)

Reduces cortisol — which directly suppresses testosterone production — and has been shown in clinical trials to improve sexual function, arousal, and satisfaction in women. Also supports DHEA levels and adrenal function.

Maca Root

A Peruvian adaptogen with a long history of use for female libido and hormonal balance. Multiple clinical trials have shown maca improves sexual dysfunction, reduces menopausal symptoms, and supports energy and mood — without directly altering estrogen or testosterone levels, suggesting a hypothalamic mechanism.

DHEA

A precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that converts to both testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels decline sharply with age. Supplementation has been shown to improve libido, energy, and mood in women with low adrenal output, particularly post-menopause.

Tribulus Terrestris

Traditionally used for libido support. Some evidence suggests it supports luteinizing hormone (LH) production, which signals the ovaries to produce testosterone. Most studied for sexual function rather than direct testosterone elevation.

Zinc

An essential cofactor for testosterone synthesis and a natural inhibitor of aromatase — the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. Zinc deficiency directly impairs testosterone production in both sexes.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.