What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone in Women?

As more women turn to testosterone, here’s what to know about the hormone and health risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any testosterone treatments currently. As there isn’t a standard for treatment, providers treat low testosterone in women the same way they’d treat it in men. This can be problematic because females require significantly less testosterone (a much lower dose of medication) than males. Talk to a healthcare provider if you struggle with any of these symptoms. They can evaluate you and assess if testosterone levels may be responsible. Testosterone levels gradually begin to decrease as you enter your 30s.

Specifically, women produce between 0.1 and 0.4 mg of testosterone daily, while men produce between 5 and 7 mg daily. As we have mentioned, testosterone is an important and necessary hormone in women, so having a testosterone deficit is not a desirable situation. However, androstenedione, DHEA, and DHEAS are precursors and can eventually be converted to testosterone and DHT to exert their androgenic function.

Active testosterone is found in blood, unbound and bound to serum albumin. Increased SHBG levels reflect in lower levels of active testosterone and vice versa. High testosterone levels in people with vulvas, also known as hyperandrogenism, can result in symptoms such as acne, excess body hair, and mood changes. If a female has not yet reached menopause, the doctor is likely to advise on the best time to test testosterone levels. There is currently a lack of research into the treatment of low testosterone in females. Many doctors are much more concerned about high testosterone levels. Treatment for low testosterone can be controversial because low testosterone in females hasn’t been well-studied.

A significant part of the regulation of the menstrual cycle relies on testosterone. So, low levels of this hormone can disrupt menstrual cycles, possibly resulting in irregular periods or changes in menstrual flow. As an anabolic hormone that promotes muscle protein synthesis, a lack of testosterone can result in muscle loss and decreased physical strength. Low sexual desire in women can lead to less sexual intimacy, which can put a strain on the relationships they have with their partners.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved its use in women. The problem is a lack of data and uncertainty regarding testosterone’s long-term safety in women. The main concerns relate to the risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Therefore, in the U.S., testosterone dose bodybuilding therapy for women is used as an off-label medication. The term “off-label” is used when a drug has scientific evidence to support its use for a condition but is not specifically FDA approved for that condition, at that dose or in that form. It is determined by many factors, including women’s physical and emotional health, the health of their relationships with their partners, their previous sexual experiences, history and trauma, and more.

Women make testosterone in their adrenal glands and ovaries at about 10% of a man’s testosterone levels. Research shows that women’s testosterone levels peak in their late 20s. They then decline with age, becoming even lower after menopause or if the ovaries are removed. Along with this, even small dips in testosterone can impact overall wellness. Low testosterone in women symptoms can be distressing, and you may be inclined to seek natural, sustainable ways to boost them. Fortunately, low levels of testosterone may be responsive to both natural and clinical methods of treatment.

More-sensitive tests of testosterone levels exist but are not widely available. Women who are experiencing problems with their sexual function should therefore be evaluated by a medical expert with experience in this field, such as a gynecologist. These women should be assessed for all the factors that could potentially be impacting their sexual function, including testosterone.

But other health issues may also cause low T, such as thyroid problems, long-lasting illness, or problems with the testicles. In short, testosterone is an essential sex hormone that plays important roles in health across all sexes. Whether you’re having symptoms or just wondering how to test testosterone levels conveniently, consider the Everlywell Women’s Hormone Test.