Testosterone is often seen as a hormone primarily associated with men, but it plays an important role in women’s health, influencing bone density, muscle maintenance, and sexual function. Women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, though in much smaller amounts than men. The menstrual cycle is a complex rhythm involving the precise timing of several hormones, and testosterone levels fluctuate significantly throughout the month. Many people wonder how this hormone changes across the cycle and whether it increases during the bleeding phase.
Testosterone Levels During Menstruation
Testosterone levels are generally at one of their lowest points during the actual menstrual bleed, which is the beginning of the follicular phase. This is a time when the levels of other reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are also low. The drop in these hormones marks the end of the previous cycle and the start of menstruation.
The ovaries, which produce most of the testosterone in women, reduce their output significantly during this phase. This low-level hormonal environment is necessary for the body to reset and prepare for the next reproductive cycle. The lowest levels are generally seen in the early follicular phase, which includes the days of active bleeding.
Testosterone’s Peak Activity Across the Menstrual Cycle
While testosterone is low during menstruation, its levels fluctuate in a specific pattern throughout the entire month. Following the menstrual period, testosterone production begins a gradual rise as the body enters the mid- and late-follicular phases. This rise is driven by the ovarian cells, which are preparing the dominant follicle for ovulation.
The concentration of testosterone demonstrates a clear surge that peaks around the time of ovulation, which is mid-cycle. This mid-cycle peak is often two to three times higher than the levels seen during menstruation. The biological reason for this temporary high level is linked to reproductive function, as testosterone acts as a precursor for estrogen production, which is needed to trigger the release of the egg.
After the mid-cycle peak, testosterone levels drop sharply and remain relatively low throughout the luteal phase, the second half of the cycle following ovulation.
How Testosterone Fluctuations Impact Mood and Energy
The natural rhythm of testosterone can have noticeable effects on a woman’s emotional and physical state. The peak in testosterone around ovulation is often correlated with increased energy, motivation, and assertiveness. This mid-cycle surge is also frequently associated with a temporary boost in libido or sexual desire.
Conversely, the drop in testosterone and other hormones during the premenstrual and menstrual phases can contribute to common symptoms. Low levels of testosterone are linked to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and general mood changes. The significant decline in hormones leading up to and during the menstrual bleed contributes to the physical and emotional changes experienced as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menstrual symptoms.
Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Beyond the normal cyclical changes, some women experience symptoms that suggest a chronic imbalance in their testosterone levels. Consistently elevated testosterone, known as hyperandrogenism, can lead to noticeable physical changes. Common signs include severe, persistent acne, excessive growth of dark or coarse hair on the face and body (hirsutism), and irregular or absent menstrual periods. This chronic elevation is frequently associated with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
In contrast, chronically suppressed testosterone levels can present with a different set of symptoms. Signs of consistently low testosterone often include chronic fatigue and low energy that does not improve with rest. Other indicators are a significantly decreased sex drive (libido), difficulty gaining or maintaining muscle mass, and even symptoms of depression or anxiety. These non-cyclical symptoms are typically a sign that a medical evaluation may be helpful to restore hormonal balance.