Testosterone is, by definition, a male hormone. It is responsible for the typical characteristics of a man's body: muscular strength, deep voice, body hair, virility. But what many people don't know is that a woman's body also produces testosterone — in much smaller quantities, around ten times less — and that this hormone performs fundamental functions in the female body. When levels drop, the effects are real and directly impact quality of life. Lady Care Clinic Disclosure In recent years, testosterone replacement for women has become one of the most sought after and, at the same time, most misunderstood topics in the health field. On the one hand, exaggerated promises about rejuvenation and performance. On the other hand, there is an unfounded fear that the hormone could masculinize the body. Between the extremes is science — and it is clear: when well indicated and monitored, replacement can bring significant benefits. Dr. Rozeny Anute, a gynecologist and plastic surgeon with an integral focus on women's health, beauty and aesthetics, heads the Lady Care Clinic, with units in São José dos Campos, Caraguatatuba and São Paulo. "Testosterone is a male hormone, yes. But women also produce it and need it. When this level drops, the impact on mood, libido and even body composition is enormous — and is often not investigated", he says. The role of testosterone in a woman's body Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Even in small quantities, it participates in functions that go far beyond the sexual sphere: maintenance of muscle mass and physical strength, bone health, disposition and energy, mental clarity and ability to concentrate, and libido. When levels drop — which happens naturally with advancing age, but can occur prematurely due to prolonged use of contraceptives, surgical menopause or chronic stress — the effects are noticeable: persistent tiredness, loss of lean mass, difficulty gaining muscle tone even with exercise, drop in libido, mental fog and tendency to gain abdominal fat. "Often, women attribute these symptoms to everyday tiredness. But when we investigate and find low testosterone levels, replacement transforms her quality of life. It's like returning a piece that was missing in the hormonal balance", explains Dr. Rozeny. Myths Surrounding Testosterone for Women Misinformation about testosterone use by women is vast and persistent. Some of the most common myths deserve to be clarified based on scientific evidence. The first and most widespread is that testosterone will masculinize women. This does not happen when the replacement is done in physiological doses — that is, compatible with the small amount that the woman's body would naturally produce. Deepening of the voice, excessive hair growth and acne are effects associated with supraphysiological doses, far above what is indicated. With proper monitoring and periodic monitoring, these effects simply do not occur. Lady Care Clinic / Disclosure Another common myth is that testosterone causes aggression. In fact, adequate levels of this hormone are associated with better mood, more emotional security and reduced anxiety. Irritation and impatience, paradoxically, are more frequent when there is a hormone deficiency. There are also those who believe that replacement only serves to increase libido. Although sexual desire is, in fact, one of the most impacted functions, the benefits go far beyond: muscle mass gain, bone protection, cognitive improvement and reduction of chronic fatigue are equally relevant effects and well documented in the medical literature. "Testosterone is a male hormone that women also need. Just as they need estrogen and progesterone, they need testosterone at adequate levels to function well", highlights Dr. Rozeny. When replacement is indicated for women The indication for replacement must always be based on careful clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. It is not about replacing indiscriminately: it is necessary to confirm the deficiency, evaluate the symptoms and consider the patient's general health context. The most frequent symptoms that lead to investigation include a persistent drop in libido without a clear emotional cause, chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest, loss of muscle mass and strength even with regular physical activity, difficulty concentrating and a feeling of “fog”, and weight gain resistant to diet and exercise — especially in the abdominal region. Replenishment methods: options for each profile The forms of testosterone replacement available for women have evolved significantly in recent years, offering greater safety, precision and comfort. Each modality has specific indications, and the choice is always individualized. The hormonal implant (pellet) is one of the most used options. It is a small cylinder inserted under the skin, which releases the hormone continuously and stably over months. This constancy avoids hormonal fluctuations that can occur with other routes and guarantees more predictable levels. Transdermal cream is another consolidated alternative, applied daily to the skin. Its advantage is that it allows finer dosage adjustments, which can be useful in the initial stages of treatment or in patients who require more precise control. Sublingual film is a modality that is gaining ground. Placed under the tongue, it dissolves and allows rapid absorption of the hormone through the oral mucosa. It is a practical, discreet option with good bioavailability. The vaginal film follows the same principle, but applied to the mucosa of the intimate region, which can bring additional benefits to women who also have local complaints, such as dryness and discomfort. In some protocols, the injectable route can also be used. Choosing the ideal route takes into account the clinical profile, lifestyle, patient preferences and individual response to treatment. "Each woman responds in a different way. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The important thing is to have options and personalize the treatment", explains Dr. Rozeny. Testosterone and body composition One point worth highlighting is the relationship between testosterone and body composition. Women with adequate levels find it easier to maintain muscle mass, which directly impacts basal metabolism — that is, the body uses more energy at rest. This explains why many women in perimenopause and menopause, even while maintaining diet and exercise, have difficulty controlling their weight: the hormonal drop has reduced the body's ability to preserve muscle and burn fat. Monitoring makes all the difference Testosterone replacement for women is safe when done with specialized medical supervision and periodic monitoring. The objective is to always keep the values ​​within a safe range compatible with the woman's body — never exceeding this limit. Regular total and free testosterone tests, in addition to clinical monitoring of symptoms, ensure that the treatment remains effective and without unwanted effects. At Clínica Lady Care, the hormonal approach is always integrative. Testosterone is not assessed in isolation, but within the patient's complete hormonal context: estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol, insulin. Because the balance between all these hormones is what determines how a woman feels on a daily basis. "The doctor's role is not to prescribe testosterone to everyone. It is to investigate in depth, identify who really needs it and monitor it closely. When this is done with discretion, the result is transformative: the woman regains energy, disposition, clarity and will to live", concludes Dr. Rozeny Anute. Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure Lady Care Clinic Disclosure To schedule an appointment at Clínica Lady Care, contact us via WhatsApp (12) 98310-0106 or access the profile @clinica.ladycare on Instagram. Responsible doctor: Dr. Rozeny Anute CRM 111.127 / SP