The Truth About Female Testosterone

Did you know that testosterone is actually the most abundant sex hormone in women's bodies prior to menopause?  I’m sitting down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist and women’s sexual health expert, to tackle one of the most misunderstood hormones in women: testosterone. We explore why testosterone matters for everything from your cellular energy and gym gains to motivation, mood, and libido, plus why a “normal” lab result might not tell the whole story. I also ask the practical questions you need answered about testing, finding the right level for your body, recognizing side effects, and approaching testosterone replacement safely. (02:07) Testosterone supports cellular and mitochondrial health, helping explain its connection to energy throughout the body. (02:51) Potential signs of low testosterone, including fatigue, declining gym performance, lower libido, and changes in mood. (03:34) Kelly describes testosterone as a motivation hormone that may influence much more than sexual desire. (04:37) Testosterone levels begin declining after your twenties, well before the dramatic hormonal changes associated with menopause. (05:41) There isn’t one simple “optimal” testosterone number; and timing, dosing, and natural hormone fluctuations complicate lab results. (07:47) Kelly’s three-part approach to evaluating testosterone treatment: how you feel, whether you experience unwanted side effects, and what your labs show. (10:18) Learn which blood test Kelly recommends for measuring female testosterone and why some standard testosterone tests may be poorly suited to women’s lower physiologic levels. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/p10VEJ5TEf8?si=OPd1ykJGyN7_0sHt  Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drkellyc