Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: four minutes.
Yes, losing excess weight can lead to higher testosterone levels, but it depends on how you lose the weight.
This blog explains how both natural and medical weight loss can influence testosterone levels in men and women, and why this hormone is key to energy, mood, and metabolism.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Why Testosterone Matters for Both Sexes
Testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone.” While men produce more of it, women also need testosterone for:
- Energy and stamina
- Muscle strength
- Mental focus
- Libido and sexual function
- Mood regulation and quality of life
Low testosterone levels can lead to fatigue, brain fog, depression, and unwanted weight gain in both sexes. These are common symptoms of testosterone deficiency that affect both physical and emotional well-being.
To learn more about testosterone in women, read Can Low Testosterone Make It Harder for Women to Lose Weight?
Natural Weight Loss and Testosterone
Natural weight loss, meaning diet and exercise, tends to boost testosterone levels, especially if excess body fat was part of the problem.
Here’s how it helps:
- Less belly fat, more free testosterone: Fat cells promote the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Shedding fat, particularly in areas with higher waist circumference, reduces this aromatase activity.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Healthy eating and physical activity improve insulin resistance and lower insulin levels, supporting the natural production of testosterone.
- Resistance training improves hormone balance: Lifting weights boosts luteinizing hormone and signals the body to increase testosterone production and lean body mass.
- Better sleep = better hormones: Body weight loss often leads to better sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining normal testosterone levels and healthy follicle-stimulating hormone rhythms.
Pro tip: Weight loss through extreme dieting or overtraining can increase cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses serum testosterone levels. A balanced approach preserves muscle mass, bone mass, and hormone levels.
Medical Weight Loss and Testosterone
Medical weight loss can also raise testosterone, but it depends on the method used and clinical implications.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide, helps regulate appetite and insulin. Many patients experience significant fat tissue reduction, which improves testosterone concentrations.
Some programs now explore using semaglutide and testosterone together to amplify results, especially in patients with severe obesity and metabolic dysfunction. However, rapid changes in body mass without preserving muscle mass can disrupt hormone levels if not monitored.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
TRT is sometimes prescribed for men with testosterone deficiency caused by severe obesity or age-related hormone decline.
It may help improve erectile function, increase muscle mass, and lower the risk of heart attack or heart disease, but it should only be used when medically necessary and closely monitored.
In some cases, semaglutide and testosterone replacement may be combined under medical supervision to maximize fat loss and hormonal balance.
Learn more about the connection between weight loss and hormone optimization.
What to Expect as Testosterone Rises
As your testosterone levels improve, you may notice:
- Increased energy and stamina
- Greater lean body mass and muscle mass
- Improved mood, mental clarity, and quality of life
- Reduced waist size and more stable weight
- Improved libido and sexual function
- Better blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular disease risk
It is important to note that testosterone therapy is prescribed differently for men and women, and the results may vary. Men are typically prescribed testosterone to treat clinically low levels caused by aging, obesity, or other health conditions.
Some women may be prescribed lower doses, often in combination with other hormones, to support balance during perimenopause or menopause. However, testosterone is not necessary or appropriate for every woman.
Testosterone Levels by Age and Sex
Before deciding to get tested, it can be helpful to understand what typical testosterone levels look like in men and women. These ranges represent total testosterone and are general estimates. Actual values may vary based on the lab, testing method, and individual health factors.
Age Group | Men (ng/dL) | Women (ng/dL) |
20–29 | 300–1000 | 15–70 |
30–39 | 300–950 | 15–65 |
40–49 | 250–900 | 10–60 |
50–59 | 200–850 | 10–55 |
60+ | 200–800 | 10–50 |
Note: Reference ranges can vary depending on the lab and the testing method used.
When to Consider Testosterone Testing
You do not need to feel “unwell” to check your hormone levels, but if something feels off, testing can provide clarity.
Testosterone plays a role in mood, metabolism, energy, and body composition. When levels are out of balance, it can affect how you feel and function each day.
You may want to consider testing if you are experiencing:
- Unexplained fatigue or low motivation
- Loss of muscle despite regular exercise
- Mood swings, irritability, or brain fog
- Low libido or changes in sexual function
- Difficulty losing weight, especially around the midsection
Both men and women can experience symptoms of testosterone imbalance. Testing is a simple step toward understanding what is happening in your body and what kind of support may help.
Explore Medical Weight Loss and Hormone Support
Our medical weight loss program is designed to reduce excess body fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy testosterone levels. We also provide expert hormone evaluations and personalized testosterone therapy when appropriate.
To book an appointment at the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 55 Madison Street, Suite 575 Denver, CO.
📍Other locations:
St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.
📞(314) 222-7567
References
[1] Long-term safety, health and mental status in men with vasectomy
Zhao K, Wu L, Kong X, Chen Y, Li H, Gu Y, Shang X, Xiong C. Long-term safety, health and mental status in men with vasectomy. Sci Rep. 2018 Oct 24;8(1):15703. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-33989-5. PMID: 30356207; PMCID: PMC6200721.