Testosterone
Its function: Testosterone is the male sex hormone, but it is produced in women’s bodies, too (just in smaller amounts). Testosterone hormone is important in the body, it helps grow muscles, and is responsible for repairing muscle proteins damaged by exercise.
The effect exercise has on it: When studies control for the menstrual cycle and are performed in lean women, exercise stimulates the production of testosterone. The data, however, is mixed among older women and those who are overweight or obese. Testosterone’s health benefits for women include everything from boosting your sex drive to helping increase muscle mass and reduce excess belly fat.