By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: August 5, 2025 Categories: Menopause Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Low testosterone in women is more common than most may think.
While testosterone is commonly associated with men, it plays a crucial role in women’s bodies as well. It influences everything from mood and energy levels to muscle mass and bone density.
Despite its importance, low testosterone in women is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to a host of physical and emotional symptoms that can diminish quality of life.
In this article, we explain everything about low testosterone in women, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and more.
What is low testosterone in women?
Like other hormones, testosterone is also secreted by specific organs (ovaries, peripheral tissues and adrenal glands) in a certain amount.
Total testosterone levels in women range from 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L or 15 to 70 ng/dL. If your testosterone levels are below this range, you may be considered to have low testosterone levels.
Testosterone production naturally decreases with age. Its levels are almost reduced to half of its normal levels as women reach menopause.
Normally, low testosterone levels do not have side effects in most women. However, some experience unpleasant symptoms that disturb their day-to-day life.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone in women?
Once you know the symptoms of low T, you’ll be much better equipped to spot the signs and tackle the issue. You will be able to eliminate your symptoms sooner and reduce the amount of time that you have to live with this condition.
Some of the common symptoms of low T in women include:
- Decreased libido
- Decreased or increased satisfaction from sex
- Increased feelings of depression
- Physical fatigue and lethargic feelings
- Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
- Vaginal dryness
- Infertility
- Irregular periods
- Sleep problems or insomnia
- Dry and brittle hair and/or skin
Though these symptoms are often associated with low testosterone in women, that doesn’t mean that any of these symptoms form a surefire diagnosis of low testosterone.
Many of them being experienced in combination could indicate a stronger chance that low testosterone is what is affecting the body.
The final thing to remember is that not every case of low sex hormones in women is the same.
You may experience better, worse, or differing circumstances than other women as a result of low testosterone.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s best to get in contact with a medical professional.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women over 40
Symptoms of low testosterone in women over 40 are almost the same as those experienced by younger women.
However, after 40, these symptoms are often more noticeable or intense because they overlap with hormonal imbalance linked to perimenopause or menopause.
Women over 40 may experience these additional symptoms of low testosterone:
- Mood swings
- Cognitive difficulties
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Joint pain
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
Low testosterone in women and weight gain
Hormonal imbalances like low testosterone may increase your body weight, especially around the midsection.
This happens because of other low T symptoms like loss of muscle mass, increased fat storage, altered fat distribution and slowed metabolism.
Your muscles have a reasonable resting metabolic rate. They burn calories even when you are resting. So, when you have low muscle mass, your resting metabolic rate naturally declines, meaning your body burns fewer calories overall.
Low testosterone may also increase fat storage, mainly around the abdomen, which eventually leads to weight gain if overlooked.
Low energy levels due to low T may lower your motivation and make it harder to stay active. This will also contribute to weight gain indirectly.
What causes low testosterone in women?
The first thing to know is that women produce testosterone in more than one location in the body. This means that the problem could be coming from a few different places.
A health issue with any one of these locations could be the cause of low testosterone in women and a hormone imbalance in the body.
This means that it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the problem is. It also means that when the problem is found, it is easier to treat because doctors will have a generally good idea of what is causing it.
Some of the reasons that cause low testosterone in women include:
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Ovaries removed (oophorectomy or surgical menopause)
- Ovarian insufficiency
- Estrogen therapy
- Menopause occurring early
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Malnutrition (such as from anorexia)
- Opioids
- Anti-androgen medicines
- Brain tumour (specifically pituitary gland-related tumour)
The tests and analysis that your doctor does will help to determine the cause and how best to address it.
Low T diagnosis: How does a woman know if she has low testosterone?
The best way to diagnose testosterone levels is to conduct a blood test.
Testosterone is a hormone that courses through the bloodstream. And a simple total testosterone blood test can tell you whether your blood-testosterone level is lower than it should be.
One of the difficulties that is posed to medical staff when it comes to testing for low T is the fact that hormone levels fluctuate from day to day.
With this in mind, it can be difficult to ensure that one test’s results are indicative of an ongoing problem.
For the best results and the most consistent reporting, women should be tested 8 to 20 days after the menstrual period begins.
In addition to conducting tests, doctors also do a complete examination and note down the medical history to diagnose low T in women. They request tests only if they suspect low testosterone.
How to treat low testosterone in females?
While many women are worried about the effects that low T has on the body, there is plenty of hope for women who are experiencing low T and its side effects.
The following methods may be used for treating low testosterone in women.
Estratest
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.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Another very common treatment method for women who are experiencing low testosterone is testosterone injections.
This treatment mimics what would commonly be used for men who are experiencing low testosterone. It is known as testosterone replacement therapy.
This testosterone boost can be prescribed as testosterone gels, injections, patches and more.
Studies show testosterone therapy may help menopausal or postmenopausal women improve sexual function, bone strength, and brain protection.
Women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (a condition that causes low sexual desire or reduced libido) may also notice an improvement in their sex drive with this treatment plan.
Despite offering all these benefits, TRT comes with potential side effects that you must consider before choosing it for androgen deficiency.
DHEA supplements
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 who only need a very minor boost.
Consult one of our specialist testosterone doctors to learn which is the best path forward.
What form of testosterone is best for women?
Testosterone gel is often preferred for testosterone-deficient women because of its easy application, stable absorption and lower risk of liver strain compared to other options like oral testosterone.
Testosterone gels come in different doses and are prescribed off-label. You can rub them on your skin like a regular moisturiser. Testosterone gets absorbed through the skin and then enters the bloodstream and reaches its target tissue.
Women are mostly started on 300 micrograms per day (a pea-sized amount). Regular monitoring is required to ensure treatment safety and efficacy.
Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for women
Testosterone replacement therapy for women shows many health benefits when it is given under medical supervision. Some of its common advantages are:
Mood improvement: A 2024 study conducted on 510 women having hormone replacement therapy (transdermal testosterone) states that “transdermal testosterone therapy for 4 months was associated with significant improvements in mood and cognition.”
Increased sexual function: A 2025 study concludes that TRT is effective for female sexual dysfunction, improving sex drive and arousal in postmenopausal women.
Improved muscle and bone health: Testosterone is crucial for both bone and muscle health. Restoring your low testosterone levels may improve muscle mass and strengthen your bones as well as muscles.
Additionally, taking testosterone may also improve mental sharpness, hot flushes, overall health and other symptoms associated with menopause in women.
However, the effects of testosterone on women’s health are not very well studied. More research should be done in this area to fully comprehend testosterone’s role in this regard.
How to increase testosterone in females naturally?
Women looking to optimise their testosterone levels naturally have several effective options to consider.
By incorporating the following lifestyle changes, women can naturally enhance their testosterone levels and improve their overall well-being.
Regular exercise: A study found that resistance training can temporarily increase testosterone and have an impact on fat distribution for women. Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are especially good for increasing testosterone levels.
Maintaining a balanced diet: A diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains supports hormone health, while specific nutrients like zinc and vitamin D are particularly beneficial for boosting testosterone.
Managing stress: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep are also crucial, as chronic stress can lower testosterone levels.
Reducing alcohol intake: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it is also linked to reduced serum testosterone levels.
FAQs about testosterone deficiency in women
Can women have low testosterone?
Yes, just like men, women can also have low testosterone. If your testosterone levels are below 0.5 nmol/L, you may be considered testosterone-deficient. (Note: Low T diagnosis is symptom-driven, supported by labs and evaluated by a menopause specialist or endocrinologist.)
Can low testosterone in women cause anxiety?
Testosterone plays an important role in mood regulation. Its low levels can cause anxiety in women.
Does low testosterone in women affect fertility?
Although testosterone is a male reproductive hormone, it impacts women’s fertility as well. Low testosterone can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles and disturb ovulation.
How to test for low testosterone in women?
You can have a simple testosterone blood test to check your testosterone levels.
Final thoughts
It’s no secret that the symptoms of low testosterone levels can cause negative changes to a woman’s quality of life.
By learning about the causes and potential natural ways to boost testosterone levels, you can take proactive steps to manage your health.
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.
Though this guide does feature plenty of information, it should by no means be in replacement for a professional opinion.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this article, we urge you to get in contact with Balance My Hormones. Our specialist doctors can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
References
Glynne, S., Kamal, A., Kamel, A.M., Reisel, D. and Newson, L., 2024. Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri-and postmenopausal women: a pilot study. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, pp.1-10.
Donovitz, G.S., 2022. A personal prospective on Testosterone therapy in women—What we know in 2022. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(8), p.1194.
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About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: August 5th, 2025
