Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes

Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes

“Symptoms can include reduced libido, diminished sexual responsiveness, and alterations in mood and energy levels,” says Elise. It is responsible for developing male reproductive tissues like the prostate and testicles and contributes to muscle and bone mass. If you know your total how testosterone levels are tested reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal. It’s particularly important to get diagnosed because low T symptoms are often confused with the symptoms of other conditions. These conditions include stress, depression, menopause, and others. Having said that, these conditions may also contribute to the side effects you may be facing.

You could then take this information to a menopause specialist or your doctor, who can provide more information. You can take an at-home hormone test or speak with your doctor about a hormone level test. Globally, the age range for reaching menopause is between 45 and 55. You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a period for one year.

It’s worth noting that some hormonal contraceptives are also designed to “pause” ovarian function, which can also result in progesterone and estradiol imbalances. They suppress your hormones to a subpar physiological level and you can start to experience symptoms of hormone deficiency” says Katie Jo. Testosterone is an important androgen hormone for women’s health, and is responsible for helping to maintain bone density. Because of this, the effects of testosterone deficiency in women can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become more prone to fracture.

If you’re still getting a period, there’s a specific window in your cycle that’s best for measuring testosterone in your blood. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease as you enter your 30s. But you can experience low testosterone levels at any time in your life.

While it’s often thought of as a men’s hormone, testosterone also plays a critical role in women’s health, too. Here are a few signs of testosterone imbalances and what you can do get back on track. Diagnosing low testosterone levels in women often involves careful evaluation due to the symptoms’ subtle nature. Several medications can also cause low testosterone in females as a side effect, like birth control pills, long-term use of corticosteroids, oral estrogen, statins, and opioids. One of the most common treatments for testosterone deficiencies in women is a hormonal preparation called Estratest. It’s a medication that contains boosts of estrogen and testosterone. Some speculate that this medication is not very effective since it uses a synthetic form of testosterone, but most have reported good results with it.

And plenty of other things can sabotage libido, including painful sex, medications, stress, insomnia, illness, and the monotony of monogamy. All this means that while it could be worth trying supplementation if your sex drive isn’t what you’d like it to be, increasing testosterone levels is not a quick, universal fix. A person may experience low testosterone levels because of natural declines or a chronic health condition.

In fact, failing relationships is the reason why men eventually seek professional help 80 per cent of the time. Dr Austen El-Osta, of Imperial College London, is one of the study’s lead researchers, which was a collaboration with the men’s healthcare platform Manual. Connect with your doctor or a menopause specialist about hormone tests and for more guidance.

Our specialist doctors can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action. Finally, there are over-the-counter options such as DHEA supplements, which help to increase the production of testosterone in the body. These are generally used in very mild cases for women that only need a very minor boost. If you already have normal or higher levels, you don’t need it. Don’t take supplements before talking with your doctor — these were designed for people who need much higher levels. In some cases, your doctor may check your total testosterone. They may also measure your free testosterone (“active” testosterone).

Whether considering medical treatments or lifestyle changes, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action tailored to your individual needs. A female’s testosterone levels fluctuate throughout life, the menstrual cycle, and at different times of the day. Low testosterone levels can affect the production of new blood cells, sex drive, and other hormone levels. As we enter midlife, our bodies undergo a hormonal rollercoaster, with oestrogen levels taking a nosedive during menopause. This helpful hormone plays a significant role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function. First, your healthcare provider does a physical examination and talks to you about your symptoms and medical history. Many providers hesitate to diagnose low testosterone because research on the link between testosterone levels and specific symptoms isn’t well known.