Educational information from Her Form — reviewed for accuracy by our health specialists.
Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Optional 1:1 consults with Robyn, our consulting women's-health specialist, are available on request.
What it is
Women produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenals. It's measured as total testosterone and free (biologically active) testosterone, alongside SHBG.
Why it matters for women
Low testosterone affects libido, motivation, muscle tone and mood. High testosterone in women is a hallmark of PCOS and can drive acne, scalp hair thinning and unwanted facial hair.
Optimal range
Total: 25–70 ng/dL · Free: 1.0–2.5 pg/mL
Standard lab range
Lab ranges are usually 8–60 ng/dL.
When it's high
- ↑PCOS
- ↑Acne, oily skin
- ↑Scalp hair thinning
- ↑Hirsutism
- ↑Irregular cycles
When it's low
- ↓Low libido
- ↓Low mood, low motivation
- ↓Loss of muscle tone
- ↓Post-pill / post-menopausal decline
References
- Endocrine Society — Female hormone health— Sex hormone assessment and interpretation in women
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health— Comprehensive women's hormone health guidance
- RANZCOG — Women's health guidelines— ANZ clinical standards for reproductive-age women
- NICE — Women's health guidelines— Evidence-based hormone and reproductive health guidance
References are provided for educational context only. Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
A note on interpretation. Ranges above are what our health specialists works to in healthy women. They are not a diagnosis — a single result always needs context from your symptoms, cycle phase and other markers.