Understanding Testosterone: A Guide for Women 

Testosterone is an androgen (steroid) hormone produced by the gonads (ovaries or testes) and the adrenal glands. Although testosterone is often associated with male physiology, it is an essential hormone for women as well, helping to support everything from energy and muscle strength to mood, mental clarity, libido and overall vitality.

Why is testosterone important for women?

Once overlooked in women’s health, testosterone is now being recognised as an important part of the female hormone picture, supporting the body, brain and overall vitality.

Benefits backed by research include:

✓ Supports healthy body composition

✓ Boosts libido

✓ Helps maintain muscle strength

✓ Supports bone health

✓ Improved energy, motivation & overall vitality

As research into testosterone therapy grows, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of how testosterone supports not only physical health, but overall wellbeing.

From around the age of 30, testosterone levels gradually begin to decline, with further changes during perimenopause and menopause as hormone levels shift. This changing balance can be associated with symptoms such as low libido, brain fog, reduced motivation and changes in energy. Bioidentical testosterone therapy offers a personalised approach to supporting women’s hormone health and restoring balance. 

Brief History of Testosterone for Women

1930s – Testosterone was isolated and synthesised, establishing the foundations for testosterone-based treatments. Researchers soon began investigating testosterone’s role in women as well as men. Research

1930s onwards – Testosterone was studied as a treatment for women, with research exploring its potential role in sexual health, wellbeing and symptoms associated with hormonal changes. Decades of clinical research have since helped develop our understanding of how testosterone can be used in women’s healthcare.

Late 20th century – Bioidentical hormone therapy became increasingly established as an approach using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body. Bioidentical testosterone is one form of testosterone therapy used in women.

Today – Testosterone therapy for women continues to be supported by a substantial body of clinical research, particularly for sexual function, bone health, muscle and body composition.

What are “bioidentical hormones?”

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by the human body.

This means they are designed to work in the body in the same way as our own hormones. 

At Hormones & You, our bioidentical hormones begin with plant-derived compounds found in sources such as soy and yams. These compounds are carefully processed in a laboratory to create high-quality hormones that match the structure of those naturally produced by the body.

Our treatments are prescribed by doctors and formulated by specialist pharmacy, ensuring a personalised approach to supporting women’s hormone health.

Through our specialist pharmacy partnership, each prescription is carefully prepared with precision, quality and safety at the heart of every treatment.

How are bioidentical hormones produced?

Bioidentical hormones are produced using plant-derived compounds as the starting point. Wild yam contains diosgenin, a steroidal compound with a structure similar to the building blocks of human steroid hormones.

Diosgenin is extracted and purified from the plant before undergoing a series of controlled chemical reactions that modify its structure while preserving its steroid framework. It is first converted into pregnenolone, an important precursor in steroid hormone production, which can then be further transformed into hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. 

These hormones can subsequently serve as starting points for producing other steroid hormones, including oestradiol and oestriol. The end result is a hormone that has the same molecular structure as the corresponding hormone naturally produced by the human body, which is what makes it ‘bioidentical’. 

Testosterone Synthesis Pathway

Bioidentical testosterone is created through a carefully controlled process that transforms plant-derived compounds into a hormone that is chemically identical to the testosterone naturally produced by the body.

Once diosgenin has been processed into 16-DPA, it undergoes a series of precise chemical reactions, including deacetylation, oxidation and reduction, which gradually modify its structure.

These reactions produce a series of steroid intermediates before the final reduction step converts the molecule into testosterone, ready to be formulated for use in hormone therapy and pharmaceutical preparations.

In simple terms:

Diosgenin → 16-DPA → steroid intermediates → bioidentical testosterone

Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones

Bioidentical hormones replicate the exact molecular structure of human hormones, whereas synthetic hormones are chemically different. 

Bioidentical hormones are created using plant-derived sterols, such as diosgenin from sources like yams or soy. These starting materials undergo a series of purification, chemical and enzymatic processes to produce hormones that are chemically identical to human hormones, because they have the same molecular shape and can bind to the same hormone receptors.

Bioidentical hormones can be tailored to individual needs (hormone levels, symptoms, health goals) as part of a personalised treatment plan.

Synthetic hormones are manufactured in laboratories and are structurally different from the hormones naturally produced by the body. While they can interact with hormone receptors and produce similar effects, these structural differences may influence how the body processes and responds to them. Synthetic hormones are also often associated with a different side-effect profile due to these molecular variations.

What do we use?

At Hormones + You, we use bioidentical hormones that are carefully formulated to replicate the body’s own hormones through the process mentioned above.

Safety & efficacy

Everyone responds differently to hormone treatment, so it's important that the dose and type is reviewed by doctors and medical professionals.

Learn more about using testosterone safely

New research: The benefits of testosterone therapy in women 

Emerging research highlights the wider role testosterone can play in women’s health.

A recent study of 332 women receiving personalised testosterone therapy found improvements across multiple areas of wellbeing. 

✓ 84.3% reported improvements in energy and fatigue

✓ 70.8% reported improvements in depression symptoms

✓ 69.0% reported improvements in irritability

✓ 66.9% reported improvements in sexual interest

✓ 89.7% reported an overall improvement in quality of life 

Take the first step towards better hormone balance

Your symptoms are unique, and your hormone support should be too.

Complete our online questionnaire to help us understand your health, symptoms and goals. Our medical team will review your answers and guide you through the next steps if our testosterone cream is right for you.