By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: April 24, 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. 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.
Whenever you are affected by a health issue, it’s good to learn as much as possible about the condition. Prior knowledge gives you a much better chance of recognising the condition in its early stages when symptoms are mild. This article delves into the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments of low testosterone in women, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing the symptoms of low testosterone.
Testosterone is Important For Men and Women
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, you can be subject to various physical and emotional symptoms that can impact your everyday life. So, regardless of your gender, it’s important that you maintain healthy testosterone levels.
Possible 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 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
- Vaginal dryness
- Infertility
- 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 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 are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s best to get in contact with a 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 so you can deal with it safely and effectively.
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.
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 blood test can tell you whether your blood-testosterone level is lower than it should be.
Many labs use different standards for what is considered high or low, but they are all similar and a blatantly low testosterone level is 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 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.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Women
An important part of solving the problem of low testosterone in women is understanding what conditions 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
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Malnutrition (such as from anorexia)
- Opioids
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 the cause and how best to address it.
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 who are experiencing low T and the side effects.
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.
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. 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 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.
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.
Boosting testosterone levels naturally
Women looking to boost their testosterone levels naturally have several effective options to consider. By incorporating these lifestyle changes, women can naturally enhance their testosterone levels and improve their overall well-being.
Regular exercise: A study conducted in 2001 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 sugar intake: Avoid sugary snacks and excessive alcohol consumption.
Final Thought
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 and improve your quality of life. 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.
Bibliography/Further reading/Scientific studies/References
Nindl BC, Kraemer WJ, Gotshalk LA, Marx JO, Volek JS, Bush FA, Häkkinen K, Newton RU, Fleck SJ. Testosterone responses after resistance exercise in women: influence of regional fat distribution. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2001 Dec;11(4):451-65. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.11.4.451. PMID: 11915780.
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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: April 24th, 2025
