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Low Testosterone In Women: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatments

Low Testosterone In Women: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatments

By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: March 31, 2023 |
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    Evidence Based Research

    If you suspect you may have low testosterone, then you may be scouring the internet to find out all you can about the condition. Low testosterone in women is more common than most may think.

    Whenever you are being affected by a health issue, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the condition. Having prior knowledge gives you a much better chance of recognising the condition in its early stages when symptoms are mild. This guide will provide you with all of the information you need if you feel that you’re being affected by abnormal testosterone levels.

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    Testosterone is Important For Men and Women

    Though many people associate testosterone with men and masculinity, it is a common misconception that testosterone doesn’t play a key role in women’s bodies. Testosterone is a crucial hormone in the bodies of both men and women.

    In order for the body to function, it needs testosterone. Without it, both men and women can be subject to some very serious health issues and side effects.

    So, regardless of if you are a man or a woman, it is important that you maintain healthy testosterone levels. Contrary to popular belief, it is an important hormone in the body of women that, when low, can cause serious issues.

     

    Possible Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

    One of the best ways to push back against low testosterone and ensure that you are able to treat it is to be very familiar with the symptoms of low testosterone. When you are familiar with the symptoms of low testosterone in women, you will be much better suited to address the cause and identify the condition faster.

    If you can identify it faster, you will be able to eliminate your symptoms much sooner and reduce the amount of time that you have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone in women.

    Some of the symptoms of low T in women include:

    • Decreased or increased sex drive
    • Decreased or increased satisfaction from sex
    • Increased feelings of depression
    • Fatigue and lethargic feelings
    • Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass

    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 T in women is the same. You may experience better, worse, or differing circumstances than other women as a result of low testosterone. If you have any indication that you are suffering from low testosterone, the best option is to confirm with a doctor or medical professional.

     

    Diagnosing Low Testosterone in Women

    If you feel that you may be suffering from low testosterone, a necessary step in the process is to be diagnosed. A proper diagnosis will help you learn exactly what you are dealing with and could set you down the right path so you can deal with it in a safe and effective way.

    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. These may also be contributing to the side effects that women are experiencing.

    The most surefire way to diagnose testosterone levels and determine if a woman is experiencing low testosterone levels is to conduct a blood test. Testosterone is a hormone that courses through the bloodstream, and a simple blood test can tell medical professionals and the patient what the content is when it comes to the amount of testosterone in the blood.

    Many labs use different standards for what is considered high or low, but they are all similar and a blatantly low testosterone level should be able to be easily identified using the blood test.

    One of the difficulties that are posed to medical staff when it comes to testing for low T is the fact that hormone levels in women fluctuate somewhat wildly 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.

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    Causes of Low Testosterone in Women

    An equally important part of solving the problem of low testosterone in women is understanding what conditions and circumstances cause low testosterone. With an understanding of what solves low testosterone, medical professionals are more easily able to treat the condition and ensure that it is prevented in the future.

    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. Women produce testosterone in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues, and a problem in 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 problems that lead to low testosterone in women include:

    • Deficient adrenal glands
    • Removal of the ovaries
    • Estrogen therapy
    • Menopause occurring early

    There are other possible causes of low testosterone in women, but these form the most commonly occurring causes. The tests and analysis that your doctor does will help to determine what the cause is and how best to address it.

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    Treating Low Testosterone in Women

    While many women are worried about the effects that low T has on the body, there is plenty of hope for women that are experiencing low T and the side effects.

    One of the most common treatments for testosterone deficiencies in women that doctors prescribe is a medication called Estratest, which is 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.

    Another very common treatment method for women that are experiencing low testosterone is testosterone injections. This treatment mimics what would commonly be used for men that are experiencing low testosterone. This is known as testosterone replacement therapy. This testosterone boost can be prescribed as an injection or gels although injections are generally a better solution for providing accurate doses and stable levels.

    Finally, there are over-the-counter options such as DHEA supplements, which helps 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.

    You should always consult one of our specialist testosterone doctors as to which is the best path forward. However, with this knowledge as a starting point, you can start to ask your medical professional about which path is best for you and which treatment would be suitable for your situation.

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    Though this guide does feature plenty of information, it should by no means be in replacement for a professional opinion. If you are having problems with low testosterone and you are a woman, it’s in your best interest to consult with a doctor or medical professional. They can set you on the right path towards treatment.

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    Evidence Based Research

    This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.

    References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.

    Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject.

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    About the Author: Mike Kocsis

    Mike KocsisMike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd 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 (TRT) 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.

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