Hormones are like messengers in your body, created by glands and sent into your bloodstream to manage important functions like growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. There are more than 50 different hormones at work in your body.
Two of the most well-known hormones are estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen is often labeled as the female hormone, as it plays a key role in the female reproductive system, while testosterone is usually thought of as the male hormone due to its role in male sexual development. However, both men and women have these hormones, just in different amounts.
Women and testosterone have a unique relationship; testosterone levels change throughout life, during the menstrual cycle, and even at different times of the day. Low testosterone levels in women can affect sex drive, blood cell production, and the balance of other hormones.
Testosterone is part of a group of hormones known as androgens. It influences fertility, sex drive, muscle mass, fat distribution, and the production of red blood cells. Although it's commonly seen as a male hormone, females also produce small amounts in their adrenal glands and ovaries.
In this article, we'll look at what doctors consider low testosterone levels in women, signs of low testosterone in a woman, the symptoms that might come with it, and treatment for female low testosterone.
What is low t in females?
Testosterone is an androgen hormone everyone produces, though it's more abundant in men and those assigned to males at birth (AMAB). Women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) also produce testosterone but in much smaller amounts.
Starting in your 30s, testosterone levels naturally begin to drop, but low testosterone can affect people at any age. A healthcare provider will use a blood test to measure your testosterone levels.
For women and people AFAB, testosterone is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and other tissues. Imbalances in testosterone levels can impact your health and interfere with other hormones. Since the effects of testosterone in women and people AFAB aren't fully understood. Many treatment options are not well-researched, it's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to find the best solution based on your symptoms and test results.
How does testosterone affect a woman with low t and her body?
Testosterone affects a woman's body in several ways:
Libido: It influences sex drive or desire for sex.
Bone and Muscle Health: It helps keep bones and muscles strong.
Mood and Energy: It impacts how you feel and your overall energy levels.
Menstrual Cycle and Fertility: It plays a role in regulating your menstrual cycle and fertility.
What are the symptoms of women with low testosterone?
The only way to accurately determine low testosterone levels in a female is through a blood test. However, there are some common signs of low testosterone to watch for, including:
Reduced sex drive
Persistent fatigue
Loss of strength and muscle
Difficulty getting pregnant
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness
Feelings of depression or anxiety
Thinning hair
Dry, brittle skin
Trouble sleeping
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help evaluate your condition and determine if low testosterone might be the cause.
Causes of low testosterone in females
As women get older and enter menopause, one common issue is low testosterone. By the time someone reaches menopause, their testosterone levels can drop to half of what they once were.
For those who have had their ovaries removed (oophorectomy), testosterone levels also decrease significantly, as the ovaries produce about half of the body's testosterone.
Besides aging and ovary removal, other causes of low testosterone include:
Turner syndrome a genetic condition where the ovaries don't develop properly
Tumors on the pituitary gland
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments
Ovarian insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)
Malnutrition from conditions like anorexia or severe malnutrition
Hyperprolactinemia, which is having too much of the hormone prolactin
Hypothalamic amenorrhea, where extreme stress, weight loss, or exercise causes loss of menstrual periods
Premature menopause, which occurs before age 40
Certain medications can also lower testosterone levels, including:
Hormonal contraceptives
Corticosteroids
Antiandrogen medications
Oral estrogen therapy
Opioids
Additionally, some women may have genetic factors that affect their body's ability to produce or process DHEA and DHEA-S, compounds that convert into testosterone.
How is low t for women diagnosed?
When you visit your healthcare provider with concerns about low testosterone, they'll start with a physical exam and a discussion about your symptoms and medical history. They might order a blood test to check your hormone levels to get a clearer picture. Diagnosing low testosterone can be tricky, as the symptoms often overlap with other conditions like depression, thyroid problems, or anemia, and research on how testosterone levels relate to these symptoms is still limited.
A blood test measures testosterone levels, but results can vary depending on when the test is done. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle and even between different times of the day. If you still have periods, having your blood tested during a specific phase of your menstrual cycle is best for the most accurate measurement.
What's the standard testosterone level for women?
Although women produce less testosterone than men, it still plays an important role in their bodies. In women, testosterone helps maintain bone strength, supports ovarian function, and boosts sex drive. A normal testosterone level for women ranges between 15-70 ng/dL.
Low testosterone in women treatment
Treating low testosterone in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) can be challenging because it hasn't been well-researched. The FDA hasn't approved any specific testosterone treatments for women. Without a clear standard, doctors often use the same treatments for women as they do for men. However, this approach can be risky since women need much lower doses of testosterone than men.
Testosterone treatments are available in various forms, including:
Injections
Pellets
Creams
Patches
Gels
Pills or capsules
Another option might be taking DHEA pills, a supplement that can help your body produce testosterone. While DHEA is available without a prescription, it isn't regulated by the FDA.
It's important to talk with your healthcare provider about the potential risks of each treatment option. Many medical experts recommend treating low testosterone in women only when certain criteria are met.
Conclusion
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women, and female low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms that affect their daily life. A simple blood test can show whether your levels are within the normal range—300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. If your testosterone levels are too high or too low, treatments are available.
If you suspect your testosterone levels are off, talk to your healthcare provider. They can determine if you need a blood test and help you understand different treatment options' potential risks and benefits.
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About The Author: Dr. Collins
Dr. Collins is a Pacific Northwest native and University of Oregon graduate in biology and comparative religions, practicing Naturopathic Medicine. Committed to harmonizing ancient traditions with modern science, he prioritizes holistic patient care in Oregon.
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