What do high-quality scientific studies say about testosterone therapy for addressing low energy, stubborn body fat, low libido, and other impacts of changing hormones during perimenopause?

In this episode, Louise Valentine, an award-winning women's health, fitness, and performance expert, breaks down what current research says about testosterone therapy for women, including its potential benefits, risks, and limitations. While testosterone may help improve libido, Louise explains why claims about muscle growth, fat loss, and injury prevention aren't yet backed by strong scientific evidence.

She also discusses the importance of proper hormone testing, individualized dosing, and understanding the potential side effects of testosterone therapy. For active women and runners, Louise shares how nutrition, strength training, stress management, and smarter running strategies can support hormonal health.

Through personal experiences and stories from her practice, she reminds listeners that understanding their bodies is just as important as finding the right treatment. Whether you're considering hormone replacement therapy or looking for natural ways to feel stronger and healthier, this episode will help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn & level up with my free nutrition guide & award-winning 1:1 Academy to thrive through perimenopause with less stress: https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com

Track your biomarkers with Function Health & save $25 using code “LVALENTINE11” here. $25 goes back to support BTW with each new sign up!

Check out my FullScript here where you can see curated supplement picks under “Collection” to address specific concerns & save 25% off! A small portion of EACH sale goes back to support BTW.

Take advantage of our podcast listener discount & save 20% off Kion’s science-backed clean products here. Code "LOUISE" saves on all future orders.

Learn, laugh & level up with a Breaking Through Wellness masterclass here.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:55) Understanding testosterone therapy for women
(6:07) The future of testosterone treatment in the U.S.
(8:45) What science says about testosterone benefits
(10:25) Testosterone, muscle growth, and body composition
(12:37) Supporting hormones naturally before considering HRT
(14:08) Risks and side effects of excessive testosterone
(15:35) How running, nutrition, and strength training affect hormones
(20:16) Important lab tests before starting testosterone therapy
(24:07) When testosterone therapy may be considered
(26:20) How underfueling and excessive training affect hormonal health
(30:19) Understanding hot flashes, stress, and blood sugar
(33:24) A personal story about running, stress, and listening to your body
(43:28) Choosing the right practitioner and treatment approach
(46:18) Final thoughts on testosterone dosing and safety
(47:28) Outro

Tune in weekly to "Maximizing Hormones, Physique, and Running Through Perimenopause" for our simple female-specific science-based revolution. Let's unlock our best with less stress!

I'd love to connect!

Email 💬 support@breakingthroughwellness.com

Please note if you want to be a podcast guest, there is a fee and interview process. This is safe space and curated Community exclusively for women who love to feel, look and run our best without B.S. noise, endless pills, extreme diets or misleading fads.

Most often, the key to better hormones, deeper sleep, a badass body composition, and stronger running isn't doing more, but learning how to slow down and streamline a targeted, more strategic approach - especially in midlife.

In Part 2 of their adrenal, stress, and cortisol regulation masterclass, Louise Valentine, a multi award-winning women's functional health practitioner, scientist, and exercise physiologist, and Jen share practical ways to manage daily stress, support an optimal daily hormonal rhythm, maximize recovery and fitness results during perimenopause.

From demanding workouts and busy family schedules to emotional stress and poor eating habits, they discuss how everyday stressors can affect your energy, mood, digestion, and fitness progress. They also share personal experiences with managing stress and healthy cortisol levels while balancing motherhood, relationships, and training.

You'll discover simple strategies to support your nervous system, including walking after runs to decrease post-exercise cortisol levels, eating without distractions to optimize digestion, limiting screen time, and using foam rolling to support a productive parasympathetic downshift each night. Louise and Jen explain why female-specific fueling, strategic training, and intentional recovery matter just as much as working hard.

The biggest takeaway? You don't need an expensive wellness routine to start making changes. Small, consistent habits can help you build a healthier, more supportive lifestyle while continuing to pursue your running and fitness goals.

Start with one to three changes you can maintain, and give your body the recovery and love it deserves.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn & level up with my free nutrition guide & award-winning 1:1 Academy to thrive through perimenopause with less stress: https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com

Link to podcast episode #124B with our Daily Pause Practice, how & why it works is here.

Check out my FullScript here where you can see curated supplement picks, by topic, to address your concerns & save 25% off! A small portion of EACH sale goes back to support BTW. Thank you!

Take advantage of our podcast listener discount & save 20% off Kion’s science-backed clean products here. Code "LOUISE" saves on all future orders.

Learn, laugh & level up with a Breaking Through Wellness masterclass here.

Track your biomarkers with Function Health & save $25 using code “LVALENTINE11” here. $25 goes back to support BTW with each new sign up! Thank you!

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(3:19) Common triggers of chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation
(7:57) Gut health, hormones, and endurance training
(9:25) Childbirth, motherhood, and accumulated stress
(12:09) Why rest and recovery matter for active families
(14:04) Addressing lifestyle factors before relying on supplements
(15:51) Walking after runs to support recovery
(16:48) Mindful eating, digestion, and proper fueling
(20:34) Managing emotional stress and tracking HRV
(23:43) Reducing screen time and reconnecting with nature
(26:29) Louise's daily routine for stress management
(31:12) Foam rolling, mobility, and better sleep
(37:08) Jen's outdoor foam rolling and recovery routine
(40:10) Calming your nervous system after intense workouts
(43:05) Choosing one to three practical self-care strategies
(46:08) Final takeaways and free wellness resources

Tune in weekly to "Maximizing Hormones, Physique, and Running Through Perimenopause" for our simple female-specific science-based revolution. Let's unlock our best with less stress!

I'd love to connect!

Email 💬 support@breakingthroughwellness.com

Please note if you want to be a podcast guest, there is a fee and interview process. This is safe space and curated Community exclusively for women who love to feel, look and run our best without B.S. noise, endless pills, extreme diets or misleading fads.