What this means
This review gathered past studies on testosterone in women, covering bones, muscles, heart, brain, and more. It shows the hormone has many roles, but the authors say more research is needed.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- A review of past studies from 1974 to 2025
- Kind of research
- A summary of earlier studies
The science
- Original title
- Beyond libido: the multifaceted role of testosterone in women.
- Authors
- Hernandez BS, Covarrubias A, Perez-Grego PG et al.
- Journal
- Sexual medicine reviews
- Published
- Oct 13, 2026
- Study type
- Review · in humans
- PMID
- 42867946 ↗
Abstract
Background
Testosterone physiology in women remains poorly understood despite more than 80 years of clinical knowledge. Longstanding gender biases and the misconception that testosterone is primarily a male hormone have contributed to its underrecognition in women. Testosterone is, however, the most abundant biologically active sex steroid in women and plays important roles across multiple physiological systems throughout the lifespan.
What they did
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published from January 1974 to December 2025. Three authors independently screened articles using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This narrative review included experimental, observational, and clinical studies evaluating endogenous testosterone production, regulation, and physiological functions in women, with emphasis on musculoskeletal, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, genitourinary, and sexual health.
What they found
Endogenous testosterone in women arises from ovarian, adrenal, neural, and peripheral conversion pathways and persists after menopause. Physiologic testosterone levels contribute to bone maintenance, muscle mass, metabolic homeostasis, endothelial function, cognition, mood regulation, sexual function, and reproductive physiology. Testosterone concentrations vary with age, reproductive status, hormonal milieu, and other physiologic factors, complicating the interpretation of circulating levels and their relationship with clinical outcomes. Emerging evidence also suggests potential roles in neuroprotection, immune modulation, pelvic floor integrity, and fertility, although the strength of evidence varies across physiologic domains. Testosterone is an important yet underrecognized component of female physiology, with effects extending beyond sexual function. A broader understanding of endogenous androgen physiology provides important context for female sexual and reproductive health and highlights the interconnected nature of androgen signaling across physiologic systems. Further research is needed to better characterize testosterone physiology in women, standardize its assessment, and clarify the clinical significance of alterations in endogenous androgen levels.
The authors' abstract, grouped under plain headings from its own section labels.
Hernandez BS, Covarrubias A, Perez-Grego PG et al. Beyond libido: the multifaceted role of testosterone in women. Sexual medicine reviews. 2026. doi:10.1093/sxmrev/qeag072. PMID: 42867946. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42867946/