In a recent podcast, Kate Winslet suggested that she has tried testosterone replacement therapy, which some research indicates could be beneficial for women as they get older.

Winslet, 48, explained on the “Failing with Friends” podcast that “Sometimes women experience a significant drop in libido due to issues with their thyroid or changes in testosterone levels,” as reported by People and Fox News.

She remarked, “Many people are unaware that women also have testosterone. When it’s depleted—much like eggs—it simply disappears. Once it’s gone, you need to replace it, and that can help you feel attractive again,” adding, “I know.”

In the U.S., women sometimes receive testosterone prescriptions off-label with proper medical guidance, while women in the UK and Australia may use it to alleviate symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Here’s a brief overview of testosterone and what low levels might indicate for women.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is often associated with aggressive behavior in men, leading to a negative perception, but this hormone is present in all genders and impacts nearly everyone.

Testosterone production begins during pregnancy, and “normal circulating testosterone levels” are created when a person hits puberty, typically between ages 10 and 14, explained Dr. Andrew Greenberg, who leads the obesity and metabolism lab at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Because testosterone has numerous vital roles in the body, it’s wise to check your levels with a blood test if you feel off. Symptoms of reduced testosterone can include persistent sadness, fatigue, muscle weakness, diminished sexual desire, problems during sex, or less satisfaction during sexual activities. In women, low testosterone levels may also impact menstrual cycles and period regularity.

Though it’s less common for women, they can experience testosterone levels that are lower than normal, too, as the primary sex hormones for women are estrogen and progesterone.

How to Increase Testosterone Levels

There are various methods to boost testosterone levels—some are natural while others may involve medical treatment. Natural strategies include getting better sleep, reducing stress, consuming a diet rich in protein, zinc, and vitamin D, and increasing physical activity. In fact, one study indicated that exercising more can raise testosterone levels more effectively than just calorie restriction. Resistance training has also been shown to enhance testosterone levels, with greater improvements for those who are overweight because losing weight can aid in raising testosterone levels, according to Dr. Disha Narang, an endocrinologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

There are medical options too, such as testosterone creams, supplements, and injections, but experts caution that these should be used carefully. “No supplements are officially approved by the FDA to boost testosterone, so any supplement claiming to enhance sexual health or testosterone should be scrutinized for potential risks,” warns Narang.

In some cases, doctors may recommend testosterone therapy for both men and women, although the reasons may differ.

For women considering testosterone therapy, it’s often in connection with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Dr. Cynthia Stuenkel, a clinical professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, noted that “Testosterone can be given to women diagnosed with HSDD related to postmenopausal decline in sexual interest.” In such situations, physicians typically use about one-tenth the dose prescribed for men since women require and produce much less testosterone.

Regardless of the prescribed dosage, it’s crucial to only increase testosterone levels under a physician’s care due to possible negative side effects. These can include skin issues like acne, worsening symptoms of sleep apnea, enlarged breasts, stimulation of benign prostate growth, increased risk of blood clots, and potentially heightened risk of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Contributing: Daryl Austin