Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes

Low Testosterone in Women: Causes and Treatments

Some women find they have low peptides testosterone due to issues with their ovaries, or the pituitary or adrenal glands. But, most women are diagnosed with low testosterone around the time menopause begins. As women age, their ovaries begin to produce lower levels of hormones allowing hormones like testosterone and estrogen to decrease naturally. If you have high levels of testosterone, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to learn about treatment options. In some cases, hormone therapy or medication can help restore your levels to a normal range. Most healthcare providers will be able to diagnose low testosterone levels by using a blood test. However, it’s important to note that hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, meaning your blood test results may vary.

Learning about these options allows people to make informed choices about their hormone therapy, selecting the approach that best suits their needs and preferences. Testosterone also plays a vital role in preserving bone strength and density. It helps to prevent bone loss, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Low testosterone levels in women can lead to various symptoms, including a decreased sex drive or libido. Women may experience a reduced interest in sexual activity or have difficulty becoming aroused.Fatigue is another common symptom of low testosterone in women. They may feel constantly tired or lack energy, even after getting enough rest. Mood changes, such as increased irritability or feelings of depression, can also occur.Additionally, low testosterone levels can lead to a loss of muscle mass and strength in women. This can result in decreased physical performance and difficulty engaging in activities that require strength and endurance.

But testosterone is a complex hormone, bound by other proteins like SHGB. This complex process affects the levels in your bloodstream and how it acts on your body. That means it’s not attached to other proteins like sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Many clinicians and patients report meaningful improvements when therapy is carefully monitored. Despite its significance, low testosterone in women remains under-discussed. This is especially true when both partners manage their hormone health together. You may feel fatigued, have difficulty sleeping, or have depression. Women and people AFAB usually have testosterone levels less than 40 ng/dL.

Longevità Medical in Victor, NY, is a regenerative medicine clinic offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Vito C. Quatela, medical director of Longevità Medical, and Julie A. Chatt, MSN, FNP-C, are certified bioidentical hormone replacement therapy providers. Longevità Medical serves the Greater Rochester, NY, area, Buffalo, and Syracuse.

Low testosterone levels can affect your mood, libido and musculoskeletal health. Testosterone therapy may make sense for women who have low testosterone levels and symptoms that might be due to testosterone deficiency. However, the wisdom and effectiveness of testosterone treatment to improve sexual function or cognitive function among postmenopausal women is unclear.

My goal is to wake up your mind to the visual signs of testosterone deficiency, every time you see someone you know who complains of her low testosterone symptoms. Many peri/menopause symptoms are the result of a hormone imbalance. You may have heard of estrogen dominance, when there’s more estrogen than there should be. That’s one, but there’s also estrogen deficiency, progesterone dominance, progesterone deficiency, and – you guessed it – testosterone deficiency. Acne and hair growth at the application site are the most common, Schroeder says. Changes in your voice, weight gain, hair loss, oily skin, mood changes, and an enlarged clitoris, may also occur, Turocy adds.