✨ Perimenopause Power Moves: 5 Simple Nutrition Shifts to Help You Feel Like Yourself Again✨
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Testosterone & Perimenopause: The Forgotten Hormone Every Woman Over 40 Should Know About

"As women, we often do not think about testosterone or consider that it is necessary and just as important as estrogen for health and vitality.." - Dr. Mary Claire Haver, The Pause Blog

Let’s be real—perimenopause is not just hot flashes and “getting a little forgetful.” It can feel like your body has flipped the script and left you wondering who hijacked your energy, your mojo, and your motivation.

One hormone that hardly gets a seat at the table in this conversation? Testosterone. Yep, women make it too—and we need it. For energy. For mood. For muscle. For metabolism. And yes, for that missing-in-action libido.

The Forgotten Hormone: Why Women Actually Need Testosterone

Think testosterone’s just for guys at the gym grunting through bicep curls? Think again. This powerhouse hormone pulls major weight in the female body, especially in midlife.

Here’s what it does:

✔ Energy & Motivation – Helps you feel less like a tired sloth and more like yourself again
✔ Muscle & Bone Strength – Keeps you strong, toned, and less creaky
✔ Mood Stability – Tames the mood monster and evens out emotional swings
✔ Libido & Sexual Health – Sparks desire, increases sensitivity, and helps you feel connected

But as we hit our 40s and beyond, testosterone can quietly leave the building—cue:

❌ Feeling wiped out for no reason
❌ Joints and muscles staging a rebellion
❌ Sexy times feeling...meh
❌ Brain fog thick enough to lose your phone while you’re on it

Oh, and fun fact? A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism backs this up—low testosterone in women is linked to all of the above. But guess how often it’s tested? Yeah. Almost never.

Curious if low testosterone could be behind your symptoms? Cracking the Code: How Hormone Testing Unlocks the Mysteries of Perimenopause breaks it all down—what to test, when to test, and how to find a provider who actually listens.

My Wake-Up Call: When I Found Out I Basically Had Zero Testosterone

About two and a half years ago, I finally got my hormones tested after months of feeling off. And there it was—my testosterone levels were basically on vacation in another country.

No wonder I was dragging myself through the day like I’d run a marathon in molasses.

That’s when I tried Biote testosterone pellets—bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that’s inserted under the skin and slowly releases testosterone over several months.

What the Heck Are Biote Pellets?

✔ Tiny pellets implanted under your skin (don’t worry, it’s quick)
✔ Deliver consistent hormone levels for 3–6 months (mine lasted ~4)
✔ No pills, no daily creams—set it and forget it (well, sort of)

Within weeks, I felt like a fog had lifted. I had more energy, my workouts were better, my mood stabilized, and hey—libido reappeared like an old friend who finally texted back.

BUT THEN... hair drama.

The Side Effect No One Talks About: Hair Thinning

Testosterone has a bit of a dramatic flair—along with the good stuff, it can also bring oily skin, a few stray chin hairs, and for some of us? Hair thinning at the temples.

Cue panic.

I’d never been more mentally sharp, but every time I looked in the mirror, my hairline whispered, “You sure about this?”

Here’s the kicker: once Biote pellets are in, they’re in. No tweaking the dose. No backing out. So, I had to ride it out until the hormone levels tapered off.

To help, my doctor prescribed Finasteride—a med that blocks DHT, the sneaky hormone behind hair loss. Jury’s still out, but fingers crossed.

And while I loved how I felt, I needed more control.

Enter: Testosterone Cream (aka the DIY Approach to Hormone Therapy)

After the pellet experience, I switched to a compounded testosterone cream. Now I apply it daily to my thighs and groin. Not quite as hands-off, but way more flexible.

✔ Lower, adjustable dose
✔ Easy to stop if side effects pop up
✔ No long-term commitment—just me and my little pump bottle, figuring it out together

It’s less “set it and forget it,” but I sleep better knowing I can pivot if needed.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way (So You Don’t Have to Learn the Hard Way)

🧪 Test, Don’t Guess – Always test your hormones before diving in. Not every woman needs testosterone, and more isn’t always better. Find a provider who gets women’s hormones.

🧠 Do Your Homework – Pellets give steady levels, but creams let you tweak things. Choose what fits your lifestyle (and sanity).

💇‍♀️ Watch the Hairline – If thinning hair runs in your family, talk prevention with your doc first.

⏳ Be Patient – Hormones take time to work. You’re not broken—it’s just biology doing its thing. Give your body grace.

This Isn’t the End—It’s a Midlife Power Move

Perimenopause can make you feel like you're falling apart. But here’s the thing: it’s not a breakdown—it’s a breakthrough. You’re stepping into a new chapter of strength, clarity, and unapologetic self-care.

Testosterone therapy isn’t for everyone, but if you’re curious, tired, and ready to feel like yourself again—ask the questions. Get the tests. Explore your options.

Because this chapter? It’s yours to write.

💬 Over to you:

Have you tried testosterone therapy? Thinking about it but freaked out by the side effects? Let’s chat—drop a comment below or DM me.

💛 Be kind to yourself. You deserve to feel good in your skin.

Hormonally Yours,

Kimberlee Erin

Just a heads-up: I’m a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist and Holistic Nutritionist, and while I love sharing what’s worked for me and my clients, this blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical advice. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, hormones, or treatments—especially since every woman’s perimenopause journey is different. You deserve personalized care that truly fits you.