Kate Winslet got testosterone therapy to ‘feel sexy’. What does it do to your body?

From mood swings to physical changes, hormones play a pivotal role in our overall well-being, and even slight imbalances can lead to significant shifts.
During a recent appearance on the podcast ‘How To Fail with Elizabeth – Part 1’, Hollywood actor Kate Winslet mentioned that sometimes women experience a significant drop in libido, and this could happen because of testosterone levels.
Winslet, 48, explained that many are unaware that women also produce the hormone testosterone, and when these levels decline, it can impact their sex drive.
She said, “A lot of people don’t know this, but women have testosterone in their bodies, and when it runs out—like eggs—it’s gone. Once it’s gone, you have to replace it, and that is something that can be done. You’ll feel sexy again. I know.”
Her candid remarks might make you curious about testosterone replacement therapy. What is it exactly, and is it safe?
“Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays a vital role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, and is essential for promoting secondary sexual characteristics,” Dr Mahesh DM, consultant endocrinologist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, tells India Today.
The doctor goes on to explain that testosterone also influences various physiological processes, including the regulation of libido, mood, and energy levels, as well as the maintenance of overall health and well-being.
“Its levels can significantly impact physical performance, cognitive function, and emotional stability, making it an important hormone for both men and women,” says Dr Mahesh DM.
Adding to this, Dr Rakesh Kumar Prasad, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Fortis Hospital, Noida, states that testosterone has different roles at different life stages.
Further, Dr Prasad mentions that in women, testosterone levels reduce with age. Other hormones, such as estrogen, also reduce over time, especially when menopause starts.
“The libido in both genders is also determined by testosterone. In women, testosterone is an important hormone that’s often overlooked,” says the doctor.

A fall in testosterone levels can impact a person’s sexual desire (Photo: Getty Images)

This decrease in testosterone levels can lead to reduced muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, and decreased bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Low testosterone levels may lead to mood swings, irritability, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Apart from this, cognitive functions such as memory and concentration may also be affected.
Additionally, Dr Mahesh DM tells us that the potential effects of decreased testosterone levels on an individual’s sexual desire are a subject of considerable interest.
“This decline can indeed influence libido. It is pertinent to note that such effects are not limited to men; women can also experience changes in sexual desire as a result of lower testosterone levels. The relationship between hormone levels and sexual function is complex, and variations in testosterone can lead to diminished sexual interest and arousal in both genders,” he adds.
In simple words, testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment that aims to restore testosterone levels in the body.
Dr Mahesh DM states that there is growing interest in using testosterone therapy to boost libido in women with decreased sexual desire, often due to hormonal imbalances, menopause, or other health conditions.
“While some studies suggest that testosterone therapy may positively influence sexual desire in women, it’s important for individuals to consult healthcare professionals to assess the suitability and safety of such treatment based on their specific health profiles and needs,” he says.
Dr Prasad agrees, “Women treated with intramuscular estrogen and testosterone have improvements in sexual motivational behaviours (desire, fantasy, and arousal) and increased rates of coitus and orgasm. Testosterone levels need to be restored to at least the upper end of the normal reproductive range for young women to be effective.”
Coming to the treatment, it starts with a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and hormone levels through blood tests.
If testosterone deficiency is confirmed, the therapy is initiated, which can be administered via injections, patches, gels, or pellets based on the individual’s needs and preferences.

This therapy increases testosterone levels in the body (Photo: Getty Images)

Now, apart from enhancing libido, testosterone replacement therapy has other benefits, such as improved mood, increased muscle mass, and better overall energy levels, contributing to an improved quality of life.
“Before considering testosterone therapy for women, it’s crucial to address essential questions regarding its suitability and potential benefits and side-effects,” says Dr Mahesh DM.
On the other hand, Dr Prasad shares, “Despite its side-effects, testosterone therapy has shown its clear role in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Also, one of the major organs that testosterone has a beneficial effect on is the central nervous system. Some of the biochemical reactions in the brain that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease have been shown to be reversed by the use of testosterone in certain women.”
The doctor adds that there is growing evidence in support of using individualised doses of testosterone for sexual function, osteoporosis prevention, and breast protection.