Is Testosterone a Steroid?

Introduction: Why Testosterone Needs a Functional Perspective

Just as diabetes demands a deeper, root-cause approach, hormone health—particularly testosterone—also needs rethinking. At Patients Medical in New York City, we provide integrative hormone support that goes far beyond boosting testosterone levels. We look at why your body may be out of balance in the first place—and how to restore optimal function naturally.

So let’s start with a question we hear often: Is testosterone a steroid?

What Is Testosterone?

Yes—testosterone is technically a steroid, but not in the way many people assume.
Testosterone is a natural anabolic steroid hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and ovaries in women, with small amounts made in the adrenal glands. It belongs to a class of hormones called androgens, responsible for male traits, muscle development, libido, energy, mood, and much more.
So when people ask, “Is testosterone a steroid?”—the answer is yes, but it’s a bioidentical hormone your body naturally produces, unlike synthetic anabolic steroids abused by athletes.

The Role of Testosterone in Your Body

Testosterone plays a role in many vital functions for both men and women:

Muscle mass and bone density

Sex drive and reproductive health

Mood and mental clarity

Red blood cell production

Energy, stamina, and motivation

Hair growth and fat distribution

Libido

Cognitive function

Bone and muscle strength

When Testosterone Becomes a Problem

Low or imbalanced testosterone can cause a wide range of symptoms:

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Functional medicine looks at the deeper root causes of hormone dysfunction. Common drivers include:

  • Chronic stress & cortisol dominance
  • Poor liver detoxification (which impacts hormone clearance)
  • Estrogen dominance (in both men and women)
  • Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Toxin exposure (plastics, pesticides, heavy metals)
  • Inflammation & gut dysbiosis
  • Sleep apnea or poor sleep qualit
  • Overtraining or under-eating

Advanced Testing We Use for Hormonal Health

To uncover the full picture, we offer advanced testing, including:

Total & Free Testosterone Levels

DHT and Estrogen (E2)

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Cortisol (4-point salivary or DUTCH test)

Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3/T4, Reverse T3)

Liver and detox markers

Inflammation markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Nutrient panels: Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins

Integrative Treatments for Testosterone Balance

Nutrition & Lifestyle Therapy

We create anti-inflammatory meal plans tailored to your metabolic needs. These may include:

  • Whole-food, testosterone-boosting diets
  • Low-glycemic, hormone-stabilizing foods
  • Elimination of xenoestrogens and endocrine disruptors

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

If clinically appropriate, we offer safe, physician-guided BHRT using:

  • Bioidentical testosterone (gels, injections, pellets)
  • DHEA and pregnenolone support

Hormone balancing for both men and women

IV Therapy

IV infusions may include:

  • B vitamins, magnesium, zinc
  • Glutathione and antioxidant support
  • Amino acids for muscle and mitochondrial support

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We prescribe evidence-based supplements like:

  • Ashwagandha (for adrenal balance)
  • Zinc and magnesium (for hormone synthesis)
  • Tongkat ali or maca (for libido and stamina)
  • DIM and calcium-D-glucarate (for estrogen detox)
  • Omega-3s and CoQ10 (for cardiovascular and hormone support)

Stress Reduction & Sleep Optimization

We support cortisol balance and recovery through:

  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Adaptogenic herbs
  • Acupuncture and lifestyle coaching

Melatonin and circadian rhythm optimization

Case Study: David’s Hormonal Turnaround

David, 47, came to us with:

  • Fatigue and low libido
  • Poor muscle tone despite working out
  • Brain fog and low mood
  • Low testosterone (total T: 280 ng/dL)

We created a plan with:

  • Testosterone replacement (low-dose, bioidentical)
  • Liver support and detox protocols
  • Stress reduction and adrenal support herbs
  • Nutrient therapy including zinc and B vitamins
  • Gut healing and sleep restoration

In 3 months, his testosterone rose to 610 ng/dL, his energy returned, and he regained his focus and confidence—without synthetic steroids or side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes, testosterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the body.

 No. Anabolic steroids used illegally in sports are often synthetic and abused. Medical testosterone therapy uses bioidentical forms under physician supervision.

Yes. Low-dose testosterone therapy can help women with fatigue, low libido, and hormone imbalances.

 Not when balanced correctly. Imbalances—too low or too high—can affect mood, but optimized levels promote emotional stability.

 When prescribed responsibly and monitored regularly, it is generally safe and effective.

 Yes. Through stress reduction, weight loss, sleep improvement, and targeted nutrients.

 Free testosterone is the active form. Total includes both bound and free.

 Blood testing is essential. Symptoms may include fatigue, low libido, mood issues, or muscle loss.

 We are out-of-network, but we offer superbills for reimbursement. Many labs are covered.

 In some cases, yes—especially when combined with gut healing, stress reduction, and detoxification.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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