Yes, women make testosterone too — and it matters for desire. But libido is a hormonal orchestra: estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol all play a part, and so does the rest of your life.
Testosterone: not just a male hormone
Women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and it contributes to sexual desire, arousal, and energy. Levels decline gradually with age. In some cases of distressing low desire — particularly after menopause — clinicians consider low-dose testosterone therapy, though it must be medically supervised.
Estrogen and comfort
Estrogen keeps vaginal tissue healthy and lubricated. When it drops — especially in perimenopause and menopause — dryness and discomfort can reduce desire simply because sex becomes less comfortable. This is very treatable.
See your hormone picture
An at-home panel with physician review can check key hormones so you and your provider aren’t guessing about what’s driving low desire.
Order a Test →Thyroid and cortisol
An underactive thyroid saps energy and libido and is easy to miss. Chronically high cortisol from stress suppresses sex hormones and desire — which is why "I’m too stressed and tired" is a genuine hormonal statement, not just an excuse.
Birth control and medications
Some hormonal contraceptives lower free testosterone and can reduce libido in sensitive women; certain antidepressants (SSRIs) commonly blunt desire and arousal. If your libido changed after starting a medication, that’s worth a conversation with your prescriber — there are often alternatives.
Stock the essentials
Maca, iron, vitamin D and magnesium — the foundational supplements for energy and libido, from trusted brands at fair prices.
Shop iHerb →How to tell if hormones are the cause
Clues that hormones are involved include low desire alongside fatigue, vaginal dryness, irregular cycles, weight changes, or mood shifts — especially around perimenopause. Testing turns guesswork into a plan.
Talk to a provider about hormones
Discuss hormone testing and treatment options — including menopause care and, where appropriate, testosterone therapy — with a licensed provider online.
Explore HealthRX →The bottom line
Desire runs on a balance of testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and stress hormones. Many causes of low libido are hormonal and fixable — testing is the fastest way to know what’s really going on.