Testosterone Isnโ€™t Just for Men: The Midlife Hormone Conversation Women Deserve

๐ŸŒฟ Testosterone Is a Female Hormone Tooโ€”Yes, I Said It

Letโ€™s clear something up before we go any further:

Testosterone is not simply a โ€œmale hormoneโ€ that somehow wandered into a womanโ€™s body by mistake.

Women make testosterone. Women have androgen receptors throughout the body. And testosterone plays a physiological role in sexual health, reproductive function, bone, muscle, brain function, cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.

Yet when women enter their 40s and 50s, the menopause conversation tends to revolve almost entirely around estrogen and progesterone.

Are those hormones important? Absolutely.

Are they the whole hormonal story? Nope. ๐Ÿ˜

Emerging research is bringing female testosterone physiology back into the conversationโ€”and frankly, it is about time.

But before testosterone becomes the newest menopause miracle being sold across social media, we need to understand what the evidence actually says, where the evidence is still developing, and why testing and individualized assessment matter.

Because hormone care should involve more than:

โ€œYou have symptoms. Here, take this.โ€


๐Ÿงช Hold Upโ€ฆWomen Can Have More Testosterone Than Estrogen?

This surprises many women.

Testosterone and estradiol are often reported in different units, which makes casually comparing numbers on a laboratory report misleading.

Estradiol is commonly measured in:

pg/mL โ€” picograms per millilitre

While testosterone may be measured in:

ng/dL โ€” nanograms per decilitre

Here is the conversion:

1 ng/dL testosterone = 10 pg/mL

So, for example:

30 ng/dL testosterone = approximately 300 pg/mL.

A 2026 review published in Womenโ€™s Health, โ€œTestosterone: Vital to Female Physiology,โ€ discusses how, when testosterone and estradiol are expressed using comparable units, circulating testosterone concentrations in women can be higher than estradiol concentrations during much of the menstrual cycle.

That does NOT mean testosterone is โ€œmore importantโ€ than estrogen.

And it certainly does not mean more testosterone is automatically better.

Hormones are not competing for first place. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Hormonal activity depends on much more than the concentration circulating in the bloodstream. It also depends on:

โ€ข Hormone receptors
โ€ข Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
โ€ข Enzyme activity
โ€ข Tissue sensitivity
โ€ข Conversion pathways
โ€ข Menstrual-cycle stage
โ€ข Age
โ€ข Metabolic health
โ€ข Medications
โ€ข Liver metabolism
โ€ข And the hormonal environment surrounding that hormone

This is why hormone physiology deserves much more nuance than simply declaring:

โ€œYour testosterone is low.โ€


๐Ÿ”ฌ Testosterone 101: What Is It Actually Doing in a Woman?

Before menopause, female testosterone comes from several sources.

The ovaries and adrenal glands contribute directly, while androgen precursors can also be converted into testosterone within peripheral tissues.

Once testosterone enters circulation, much of it is attached to proteinsโ€”particularly SHBG and albumin.

Only a relatively small portion circulates freely.

And here is where things become even more interesting.

Testosterone can:

โžก๏ธ Act directly through androgen receptors.

โžก๏ธ Convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

โžก๏ธ Convert into estradiol through the aromatase enzyme.

Translation?

Your hormones are having conversations with one another all day long.

They are not individual little islands operating independently.

That becomes especially relevant during perimenopause because hormonal changes are not a neat little staircase where estrogen simply falls lower every year.

Perimenopause can involve tremendous hormonal variability.

Estradiol may surge.

Progesterone may become less predictable as ovulation changes.

SHBG may change.

Adrenal physiology can influence the bigger picture.

And androgen balance can shift too.

That is one reason why I prefer looking at patterns and physiology rather than chasing individual hormone numbers.


๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพโค๏ธ Testosterone Does More Than Knock on the Bedroom Door

When most women hear testosterone therapy, they immediately think:

Libido.

And yes, sexual health is where the strongest clinical evidence currently exists.

Testosterone therapy has demonstrated benefits for appropriately selected postmenopausal women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorderโ€”HSDD.

HSDD is not simply:

โ€œIโ€™ve been working all day and I would rather sleep tonight.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜‚

It involves persistent or recurrent reduced sexual desire associated with personal distress, after other contributing medical, psychological, medication-related and relationship factors have been considered.

Research has shown improvements in areas such as:

โ€ข Sexual desire
โ€ข Arousal
โ€ข Orgasm
โ€ข Sexual pleasure
โ€ข Sexual responsiveness
โ€ข Sexual distress

Current menopause guidance, including NICE guidance in the UK, supports considering testosterone supplementation for low sexual desire associated with menopause when conventional HRT alone has not been effective.

But testosterone biology certainly does not stop at sexual function.

And that is where newer research becomes very interesting.


๐Ÿ”ฅ The 2026 Research That Has Women Talking

A 2026 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine evaluated women already using transdermal estrogen, with or without progesterone, who later added transdermal testosterone.

The retrospective cohort included 279 women, with an average age of approximately 56.

Researchers examined symptoms across several areas including:

โ€ข Mood
โ€ข Cognition
โ€ข Vasomotor symptoms
โ€ข Genitourinary symptoms
โ€ข Energy
โ€ข Musculoskeletal symptoms
โ€ข Neurological symptoms
โ€ข Cardiopulmonary symptoms

Approximately three months after testosterone was added, statistically significant improvements were reported in 15 of the 24 symptoms measured.

Among the larger reported changes were improvements in:

Vaginal dryness โ€” approximately 59%

Hot flushes โ€” approximately 55%

Libido โ€” approximately 55%

Improvements were also observed across several symptom categories involving mood, energy, cognition, endocrine symptoms and musculoskeletal complaints.

Interesting?

Absolutely.

Proof that testosterone treats all these conditions?

Not yet.

And that distinction matters.

This was a retrospective observational study, not a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

There was no placebo group.

Some women's underlying HRT regimens had also changed.

Therefore, the research can show an association with improvement, but it cannot establish that testosterone alone caused every improvement observed.

This is promising researchโ€”not permission to throw scientific caution out the window.

We can be excited about emerging evidence while still respecting the hierarchy of evidence.

Both can live in the same house. ๐Ÿ˜

๐Ÿ”ฌFun Fact Science Bar+

Did you know the ovaries do not simply โ€œswitch offโ€ after menopause? While estrogen production changes dramatically, postmenopausal ovaries can continue producing small amounts of testosterone and other androgens. Women who have had both ovaries surgically removed generally have lower testosterone levels than women who experience natural menopauseโ€”another reminder that natural menopause and surgical menopause are not hormonally identical.

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ Translation: Menopause is not an โ€œall hormones goneโ€ event. ๐Ÿ˜ Your ovaries, adrenal glands and peripheral tissues remain part of an interconnected hormone network. That is why symptoms cannot automatically be blamed on estrogenโ€”or testosteroneโ€”without looking at the bigger picture.

โœจ Healing Opportunity: Consider the whole terrain: symptoms, ovarian status, SHBG, estrogen therapy route, iron/ferritin, thyroid, blood sugar, nutrition, sleep and stress. The goal is not to chase one hormone numberโ€”it is to uncover patterns of Metabolic Chaosยฎ and identify appropriate healing opportunities.

โœ๏ธ Faith Element: โ€œTo every thing there is a seasonโ€ฆโ€ โ€” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV. Menopause is another season of physiologyโ€”not the end of vitality. Understanding and supporting the body God created is part of good stewardship. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ


๐Ÿง  โ€œBut Iโ€™m Exhausted, Foggy, Flat and Losing Muscleโ€ฆโ€

This is where things can get complicated.

Symptoms such as:

โ€ข Fatigue
โ€ข Brain fog
โ€ข Decreased motivation
โ€ข Reduced libido
โ€ข Poor exercise recovery
โ€ข Muscle changes
โ€ข Sleep disruption
โ€ข Mood changes
โ€ข Hair changes

may overlap with changes in androgen physiology.

Butโ€”and this matters tremendouslyโ€”the same symptoms can also occur with:

Iron deficiency.

Anemia.

Thyroid dysfunction.

Insulin resistance.

Inadequate estrogen.

Poor sleep.

Chronic stress.

Nutrient insufficiencies.

Insufficient protein or caloric intake.

Medication effects.

Inflammation.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Blood-sugar dysregulation.

Sometimes several of these are happening simultaneously.

This interconnected dysfunction is something I often describe as Metabolic Chaosยฎ.

Metabolic Chaosยฎ is not a medical diagnosis. It is a useful functional concept describing what can happen when multiple physiological stressors begin influencing one another until it becomes difficult to identify where one problem ends and another begins.

So instead of only asking:

โ€œIs my testosterone low?โ€

I prefer another question:

โ€œWhat patterns may be contributing to how I feel, and where are the healing opportunities?โ€

Now we are investigating.


๐Ÿงฌ Testing Before Guessing: Because Symptoms Are Clues, Not Diagnoses

A woman should never be reduced to one testosterone result.

And one laboratory result should never become the supreme ruler of her endocrine system.

There is no universally accepted testosterone level that independently diagnoses HSDD in women.

A result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, menstrual or menopause status, SHBG and the bigger metabolic picture.

When testosterone therapy is being medically considered, conventional serum testing remains particularly important.

Serum total testosterone and SHBG can help establish a baseline and allow the prescribing clinician to monitor treatment so testosterone exposure remains within an appropriate physiological female range.

But functional testing can answer additional questions.

The goal is not to order every laboratory test simply because we can.

The goal is to ask:

What question are we trying to answer?

๐Ÿงฌ

Testing Before Guessing

Different tests answer different questions. The goal is not to collect laboratory reportsโ€”it is to understand the patterns contributing to symptoms and identify meaningful healing opportunities.

๐Ÿฉธ Serum Testosterone + SHBG

Primary question: What is the current circulating androgen picture?
Helps establish baseline total testosterone and SHBG and is important for medical monitoring when testosterone therapy is prescribed.

โ†“

๐Ÿ“Š Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis โ€” FBCA

Primary question: What metabolic patterns may be contributing to the symptoms?
Provides context around iron and ferritin, glucose regulation, thyroid patterns, liver function, lipids, inflammation, proteins and nutrient-related markers.

โ†“

๐Ÿงช DUTCH Complete / DUTCH Plusโ„ข

Primary question: How are steroid hormones being metabolized?
Can provide additional information about urinary sex hormones, androgen metabolites, estrogen metabolites, DHEA and cortisol patterns. It complementsโ€”but does not replaceโ€”appropriate serum monitoring for prescribed testosterone.

โ†“

๐Ÿงฌ DNAlifeยฎ Hormones

Primary question: Where might genetic predispositions influence hormone pathways?
Evaluates selected genetic variants associated with steroid hormone synthesis, transport, metabolism and detoxification pathways. Genetics show tendenciesโ€”not current hormone concentrations or destiny.

โ†“

๐Ÿฆ  GI-MAPยฎ

Primary question: Is gastrointestinal dysfunction part of the bigger clinical picture?
May provide information about selected microbes, pathogens and digestive or intestinal immune markers when bloating, altered bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms are present. GI-MAP does not diagnose testosterone deficiency.

โ†“

๐Ÿฅ— MRTยฎ

Primary question: Could food-related immune reactivity be contributing to symptoms?
May be incorporated selectively when food-triggered symptoms are being investigated within a personalized nutrition strategy. It is not a hormone test and does not diagnose hormone deficiency.

SYMPTOMS + HISTORY + APPROPRIATE TESTING + CLINICAL CONTEXT
โ†“
Identify Patterns โ†’ Look for Metabolic Chaosยฎ โ†’ Find Healing Opportunities

Educational graphic only. Functional testing does not replace medical diagnosis, appropriate serum monitoring or evaluation by a qualified prescribing clinician.

The important takeaway?

Different tests answer different questions.

DUTCH is not a replacement for serum testosterone monitoring.

DNAlife does not tell us what your testosterone concentration is today.

GI-MAP does not diagnose a hormonal deficiency.

MRT does not diagnose menopause.

And FBCA is not a prescription for testosterone.

Instead, these tools can help us understand different pieces of the terrain surrounding the woman experiencing the symptoms.

That distinction is extremely important.


๐Ÿฉธ A Testosterone Number Without SHBG Can Miss Part of the Story

SHBG stands for sex hormone-binding globulin.

Think of SHBG somewhat like a hormone transportation system.

Testosterone attached tightly to SHBG is not available to tissues in the same way as unbound testosterone.

This means two women could have similar total testosterone concentrations but potentially have very different biological contexts because their SHBG levels differ.

Higher SHBG can reduce the proportion of testosterone readily available to tissues.

Lower SHBG can increase relative androgen availability.

SHBG itself can be influenced by several things including:

โ€ข Estrogen exposure
โ€ข Route of estrogen administration
โ€ข Insulin resistance
โ€ข Thyroid physiology
โ€ข Liver function
โ€ข Body composition
โ€ข Certain medications
โ€ข Age

Oral estrogen, for example, typically raises SHBG more than transdermal estrogen.

That is one reason I am rarely impressed when one isolated hormone number gets waved around with:

โ€œThere! We found the entire problem!โ€

Physiology usually has more receipts than that. ๐Ÿ˜


โš–๏ธ Testosterone Therapy Is NOT a โ€œMore Is Betterโ€ Situation

The goal of female testosterone therapy is not to push testosterone into male or supraphysiological ranges.

The goalโ€”when therapy is medically appropriateโ€”is generally to maintain exposure within the physiological female range while improving the clinical problem being treated.

That matters because excessive androgen exposure can produce unwanted effects including:

โ€ข Acne
โ€ข Increased facial or body hair
โ€ข Oily skin
โ€ข Scalp hair loss in susceptible women

With substantially excessive exposure, concerns can include more pronounced androgenic effects such as voice changes and clitoral enlargement, some of which may not fully reverse.

This is why responsible testosterone therapy involves:

appropriate patient selection + appropriate dosing + monitoring + reassessment.

Not:

โ€œMy friend felt amazing on testosterone, so give me hers.โ€

Please donโ€™t. ๐Ÿ˜‚


๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง For My UK Ladies: Why Testosterone May Be Prescribed โ€œOff-Labelโ€

Women in the UK sometimes become concerned when they discover testosterone may be prescribed off-label.

Off-label does not automatically mean experimental, unsafe or inappropriate.

It means the specific medicine being used does not currently carry a UK marketing authorization specifically for that particular female indication or dosing regimen.

Current menopause guidance allows testosterone to be considered in appropriate women experiencing low sexual desire associated with menopause when HRT alone has not sufficiently helped.

The critical issue is appropriate prescribing and monitoring.

Women deserve clinicians who understand female physiology and female dosing, rather than simply shrinking a male protocol.


๐ŸŒฑ Before Adding Another Hormoneโ€ฆLook at the Terrain

There is something else I do not want women taking away from this conversation:

Tired = testosterone.

No maโ€™am. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Hormones operate inside a biological environment.

That environment includes:

๐Ÿฅฆ Nutrition

๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพ Muscle and resistance training

๐Ÿฉธ Iron status

๐Ÿง  Stress physiology

๐Ÿ˜ด Sleep

๐Ÿฆ‹ Thyroid function

๐Ÿฆ  Gastrointestinal health

๐Ÿ  Blood-sugar regulation

๐ŸŒฟ Liver function

๐Ÿšฝ Bowel regularity

โ˜€๏ธ Vitamin D and sunlight exposure

๐Ÿฅ— Adequate calories, protein and micronutrients

A woman could have beautiful hormone numbers on paper while still feeling awful because she is iron deficient, under-eating, sleeping five hours every night, experiencing insulin resistance or dealing with gastrointestinal dysfunction.

At the same time, we need to stop pretending every legitimate hormonal problem can be corrected with broccoli, yoga and positive thinking.

Both extremes miss the woman standing in the middle.

The whole-person approach makes far more sense.

And this is one reason I continue to appreciate principles that have long been part of the Seventh-day Adventist health message:

Nutrition. Exercise. Water. Sunlight. Temperance. Fresh air. Rest. Trust in God.

These principles do not replace appropriate medical care.

They help form the foundation from which we care for the incredible body God designed.

โ€œI will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.โ€ โ€” Psalm 139:14 KJV

Supporting your body through the menopause transition is not weakness.

It is stewardship.


๐Ÿ’ก Soโ€ฆShould Every Woman in Menopause Be Taking Testosterone?

No.

Should testosterone continue to be dismissed as merely a male hormone?

Also no.

For appropriately selected postmenopausal women experiencing distressing low sexual desire, evidence supporting physiologic testosterone therapy is meaningful.

The emerging research surrounding testosterone and areas such as:

โ€ข Energy
โ€ข Cognition
โ€ข Musculoskeletal health
โ€ข Mood
โ€ข Vasomotor symptoms
โ€ข Genitourinary symptoms
โ€ข General wellbeing

is fascinating.

But much of that broader evidence is not yet strong enough to establish testosterone as a treatment for all of those symptoms.

There is a huge difference between saying:

โ€œTestosterone has biological roles in these tissues.โ€

and saying:

โ€œTestosterone therapy has been proven to treat every symptom associated with these tissues.โ€

Science requires us to know the difference.

Women deserve better than hormone fear.

But we also deserve better than hormone hype.


๐ŸŒณ Your Symptoms Deserve Investigationโ€”Not Guesswork

Maybe you are running a business.

Managing employees.

Meeting deadlines.

Caring for your family.

Supporting everybody around you.

And meanwhile your body seems to have opened twelve browser tabs without asking your permission. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Your sleep is changing.

Your digestion is changing.

Your periods are changing.

Your tolerance for stress is changing.

Your energy has changed.

Your libido has changed.

And suddenly someone tells you:

โ€œWell, youโ€™re getting older.โ€

No.

Getting older is not a laboratory diagnosis.

And menopause should not automatically mean silently tolerating symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.

At Leaves from the Tree of Life LLC, we help Businesswomen who are Hormonal, Anxious, and Bloated through Functional Nutrition Coaching + Labs.

As a Traditional Naturopath and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, I use detailed health history, functional laboratory testing, nutrition and lifestyle assessment to look for patterns contributing to Metabolic Chaosยฎ and identify meaningful healing opportunities.

This may include tools such as:

๐Ÿงช DUTCH testing
๐Ÿงฌ DNAlifeยฎ Hormones
๐Ÿ“Š Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
๐Ÿฆ  GI-MAPยฎ
๐Ÿฅ— MRTยฎ
โ€ฆand other testing selected according to the individual womanโ€”not because every woman needs every test.

When testosterone or another prescription hormone therapy may be appropriate, that conversation belongs with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.

Functional nutrition and medical care do not have to compete.

Good collaborative care puts the woman at the centre.

๐ŸŒฟ Invest in your health, invest in you.

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿพ CLICK HERE to jump on a Discovery Call

Your hormones may be changing.

That does not mean your best years are behind you.

Sometimes it simply means your body needs a different kind of support for this season.

And there may be far more healing opportunities available than you have been led to believe.





๐ŸCrispy Delicata Rings with Smoky Lentil-Chestnut Crumble & Velvet Pumpkin-Sage Cream

A mouth-watering autumn testosterone-supportive recipe that is savoury, slightly sweet, creamy, crunchy, elegant, and absolutely not giving โ€œboring wellness food.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜Œ

Think: roasted delicata squash rings, a smoky lentil-chestnut crumble, a silky pumpkin-sage cream, and a crunchy pepita-hemp sprinkle on top.
Yes maโ€™am โ€” texture, beauty, and nourishment all on one plate. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

โฐ Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients

For the roasted delicata rings

  • 2 medium organic delicata squash

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the smoky lentil-chestnut crumble

  • 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils

  • 1 cup finely chopped cooked chestnuts

  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp tamari or coconut aminos

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the velvet pumpkin-sage cream

  • 1 cup pumpkin purรฉe

  • 1/2 cup cooked cannellini beans

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened organic soy milk

  • 1 tbsp cashew butter

  • 1 small roasted garlic clove

  • 1/2 tsp dried sage or 1 tsp fresh sage

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • Pinch of nutmeg

For the crunchy topper

  • 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

  • 2 tbsp hemp hearts

  • 1 tbsp chopped pecans

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

  • Pinch of sea salt

Optional garnish

  • Fresh sage leaves

  • Pomegranate arils

  • Microgreens

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿพโ€๐Ÿณ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the delicata squash

Preheat oven to 200ยฐC / 400ยฐF.

Slice the delicata squash into thick rings and scoop out the seeds. Toss with olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Arrange on a lined baking tray and roast for 22โ€“25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.

2. Make the smoky lentil-chestnut crumble

While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and sautรฉ for 3โ€“4 minutes. Add garlic, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, tamari, lentils, and chopped chestnuts. Cook for another 5โ€“7 minutes, stirring until warm, fragrant, and slightly crisp in places. Season to taste.

3. Blend the velvet pumpkin-sage cream

Add pumpkin purรฉe, cannellini beans, soy milk, cashew butter, roasted garlic, sage, salt, and nutmeg to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and silky. Warm gently on the stove if needed.

4. Toast the crunchy topper

In a dry skillet, lightly toast the pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, pecans, and sesame seeds for 2โ€“3 minutes until fragrant. Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and remove from heat.

5. Assemble your masterpiece

Spread a generous swoosh of pumpkin-sage cream on each plate. Place 2โ€“3 roasted delicata rings on top. Fill the centre or top of the rings with the smoky lentil-chestnut crumble.

6. Finish and serve

Sprinkle generously with the crunchy topper. Add fresh sage, a few pomegranate arils, or microgreens if desired.

Serve warm and prepare to act humble when people ask for the recipe. ๐Ÿ˜Œ๐Ÿ‚

๐ŸŒฟ Why These Ingredients Are Testosterone-Supportive

๐ŸŽƒ Delicata Squash

Rich in beta-carotene and complex carbohydrates that can support stable energy and blood sugar balance, which matters for hormone health.

๐Ÿซ˜ Lentils

Provide plant protein, iron, folate, and fibre. Adequate protein and blood sugar balance help support healthy hormone production and resilience.

๐ŸŒฐ Chestnuts

A lovely autumn twist that adds a subtly sweet, earthy flavour plus minerals and complex carbs for sustained energy.

๐ŸŽƒ Pumpkin Purรฉe

Provides antioxidants and carotenoids to help support overall wellness and reduce oxidative stress.

๐Ÿซ› Cannellini Beans

Add creaminess, fibre, and plant protein while helping keep this dish smooth without dairy.

๐Ÿฅ› Organic Soy Milk

Soy foods provide high-quality plant protein and beneficial phytonutrients, making them a smart option for women in midlife.

๐Ÿฅœ Cashew Butter

Adds richness and creaminess, along with healthy fats that help make meals more satisfying.

๐ŸŒฑ Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)

One of the stars here. They provide zinc and magnesium, two important minerals involved in hormone health, including testosterone production.

๐ŸŒฟ Hemp Hearts

Contain healthy fats, protein, and minerals, which can support hormone production and satiety.

๐ŸŒฐ Pecans

Bring crunch plus healthy fats and polyphenols for a satisfying autumn finish.

๐Ÿง„ Garlic

Contains sulfur compounds that support overall health and can complement a nutrient-dense, hormone-supportive diet.

๐ŸŒฟ Sage + Thyme

Not only do they make this dish taste like autumn sophistication, but herbs also bring antioxidant support and gorgeous depth of flavour.

๐Ÿ’ก Why This Recipe Works

This dish combines:

โœ… Protein
โœ… Healthy fats
โœ… Mineral-rich seeds
โœ… Fibre
โœ… Blood sugar support
โœ… Smooth + crunchy texture
โœ… Autumn comfort without the slump

In other words, it tastes indulgent but still loves you back. ๐Ÿ˜






๐Ÿ“š Selected References

Faucett K, Giles LA, Sing E. Testosterone: Vital to female physiology. Womenโ€™s Health. 2026;22:17455057261451831. doi:10.1177/17455057261451831.

Hernandez BS, Boyne AM, Fleming B, et al. Improvement in multiple organ systems following testosterone replacement therapy in women previously on standard hormone replacement therapy. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2026;23(9):qdag116. doi:10.1093/jsxmed/qdag116.

Lanoff J, Simon JA. Testosterone in Women: Clinical Evidence and Practice Guidelines. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2026;53(3):393โ€“410. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2026.03.003.

Davis SR, Baber R, Panay N, et al. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2019;104(10):4660โ€“4666. doi:10.1210/jc.2019-01603.

Parish SJ, Simon JA, Davis SR, et al. International Society for the Study of Womenโ€™s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2021;18(5):849โ€“867. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.009.

Islam RM, Bell RJ, Green S, Page MJ, Davis SR. Safety and efficacy of testosterone for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial data. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2019;7(10):754โ€“766. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30189-5.

Panay N. British Menopause Society Tool for Clinicians: Testosterone replacement in menopause. Post Reproductive Health. 2022;28(3):158โ€“160. doi:10.1177/20533691221104266.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Menopause: identification and management. NICE guideline [NG23]. Published November 12, 2015. Updated April 15, 2026.




Blog Disclaimer

The health information on this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions

This blog may contain affiliate links, meaning Leaves from the Tree of Life LLC may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or service through these linksโ€”at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue to provide valuable content. Thank you!

Mrs. Rosalyn Antonio-Langston Your Traditional Naturopath | FDNP

๐ŸŒฟ As a Traditional Naturopath and Certified FDN Practitioner. I help health conscious, business women regain vitality by investigating Hormone, Immune, Digestion, Detoxification, Energy Production, Nervous System or H.I.D.D.E.N dysfunctions. Using Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) methods which is a holistic discipline that employs functional laboratory assessments and Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics DNA ๐Ÿงฌ testing to identify malfunctions and underlying conditions at the root of most common health complaints. ๐ŸŒฟ

https://www.leavesfromthetreeoflife.com/
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When Estradiol Has More Than Hot Flashes on Its To-Do List: A Perimenopause & Menopause Guide to Heart and Bone Health โค๏ธ๐Ÿฆด