The Missing Hormone Sabotaging Women

April 1, 2025

The Missing Hormone Sabotaging Women

At Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine, we believe every woman deserves the full picture when it comes to her hormones. And here’s the truth: testosterone isn’t just for men. 

In fact, it might be the most misunderstood—and underutilized—tool in women’s health today. 

The Testosterone Gap No One Talks About

Did you know… A healthy, cycling woman actually has more testosterone than estrogen—and yet, there are zero FDA-approved testosterone treatments for women.  Meanwhile, millions of women silently suffer from low libido, fatigue, brain fog, muscle loss, mood swings, and more—all symptoms that can be linked to declining testosterone levels. The kicker? This decline often starts in your 30s, well before menopause. 

Yet due to outdated misconceptions and regulatory gaps, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) remains largely out of reach for women. We’re here to change that.

The Science: Testosterone Is Not a “Male Hormone”

Surprising fact: A healthy, cycling woman typically has more testosterone than estrogen when measured in the same units. Testosterone plays a key role in:

  • Mood Stability (via serotonin and dopamine support)
  • Muscle and bone strength 
  • Sexual health and libido 
  • Cognition, memory, and focus
  • Metabolism and body composition 
  • Immune regulation
  • Breast and cardiovascular health

That’s not a bonus list. That’s foundational to quality of life.

Real Results, Real Benefits

Here’s what the research and our experience with patients shows:

  • Improved energy, mood, and motivation: A 2024 study found a 37% reduction in moderate -to-severe mood symptoms with transdermal testosterone use in women.
  • Sharper cognitive function: Women on TRT reported a 22% reduction in brain fog and memory issues.
  • Stronger libido and sexual satisfaction: Over half of women in clinical studies saw meaningful improvements in sexual function.
  • Better bone density and lean muscle mass: Especially when combined with estradiol, testosterone strengthens bones and builds lean mass, reducing fracture risk and improving body composition.
  • Migraine relief: In one pilot study, 92% of women saw a reduction in migraine severity after testosterone pellet therapy.
  • Breast health: Women using testosterone especially in combination with anastrozole, had lower breast cancer rates than those using conventional hormone therapy.

This is not experimental medicine. It’s evidence-based, safe when dosed correctly, and life-changing.

But Is It Safe? 

Yes—when it’s done right. 

Low-dose, physiologic testosterone therapy has been shown to be cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mood stabilizing. The key is individualized care: starting low, monitoring levels, and adjusting based on how you feel—not a generic lab range. 

Side effects are rare and usually mild (think: slight acne or increased hair growth), especially with careful management.

Our Approach at Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine

We offer personalized testosterone replacement therapy for women, grounded in functional medicine principles and supported by up-to-date science. Our process includes:

  • Comprehensive lab testing (including total/free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, and more).
  • Body composition analysis.
  • Goal setting and patient education.
  • Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments.
  • Access to cream, pellet, injection, or troche delivery options.

This is medicine for women who want to feel like themselves again—or better than ever. 

Ready to Explore TRT? 

If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, low libido, muscle loss, or just feel like you’re “not yourself,” it might be time to check your T. 

Schedule a consultation with our team and let’s talk about whether testosterone therapy is right for you. Contact Us | WIFM

Because optimal health isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.