Low Testosterone Levels in Women: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

2023-04-30 13:37:29

The topic of low testosterone levels in women is a new topic in science, and there isn’t enough research on it yet. However, it has been proven that a low rate has a big impact.

Low Testosterone Levels in Women: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Last update : 30 avril, 2023

Many might be surprised that there is talk of low testosterone levels in women. This hormone is associated with men. However, it is also present in the female body and an adequate level is necessary to prevent certain problems.

Low testosterone in women has several adverse effects. This situation affects weight, sexuality and mood.

There are several reasons why this condition is generated, and action is required. Age is one of the most influential aspects. This situation affects women over 40 more. It can also be due to adrenal insufficiency.

testosterone in women

The testosterone that is present in the female body must be maintained at adequate levels. A level that is too low or too high will have significant effects on health and quality of life.

The ovaries and adrenal glands are responsible for the production of testosterone in the female body. In the female organism, this hormone:

  • Acts on the bone, immune and cardiovascular systems
  • Helps reduce vaginal atrophy, a condition that is more common in postmenopausal women
  • Decreases body fat in postmenopausal women
  • Promotes sexual desire and libido
  • Increases muscle mass
  • Preserves fertility

Generally, a woman has between 15 and 70 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Currently, there is no set standard to define low testosterone in women. However, levels below 25 are considered low.

To make the diagnosis of low testosterone, a laboratory test is needed.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women

Low testosterone levels in women is a topic on which little research is yet available. In recent years it has grown in importance, but further studies are needed to obtain more precise information.

That being said, it is believed that a low level of this hormone causes the following symptoms:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep problems
  • Loss of bone density
  • Chronic stress and depression
  • body fat accumulation
  • Tiredness, sluggishness and lethargy
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Fertility problems and alterations to the menstrual cycle



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Hypoactive sexual desire disorder

One of the most noticeable symptoms of low testosterone in women is decreased sexual desire and self-gratification. The woman no longer has any fantasies or interest in sex.

This is accompanied by a feeling of frustration, sadness, anxiety and a drop in self-confidence. If all of this is very pronounced, there is hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

The causes

Low testosterone in women is a natural effect of the passage of time. This hormone and others, including progesterone, decline over the years.

At the onset of menopause, the ovaries secrete fewer hormones. Medications that combat the side effects of this stage also have the side effect of lowering testosterone.

Other possible causes are:

  • Adrenal insufficiency: this disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not work properly, as evidenced by a study on this subject.
  • Ablation chirurgicale ovaries.
  • Hypopituitarisme : the pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of one or more of its hormones.
  • Premature or early menopause: there is an absence of periods during one or more periods of childbearing age.
  • Use of certain medications: contraceptives, antidepressants, antihypertensives and opioids have an antiandrogenic effect.
  • Unhealthy habits: very restrictive diets, lack of rest, stress.



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Le diagnostic

It is common for low testosterone levels in women either misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. It is often confused with the side effects of menopause. It is also often identified with a stress or mood problem.

The testosterone level can be measured with a blood test. Although there is no standardization at the level of the indicators, it is considered that the disorder can be reported on the following criteria:

  • Women under 50: the testosterone level is less than 25 nanograms per deciliter of blood.
  • Women over 50: the testosterone level is less than 20 nanograms per deciliter of blood.

However, it should be noted that a woman’s hormone levels are very fluctuating. Women of childbearing age show variations due to the menstrual cycle. The test should then be carried out between 8 and 20 days before the onset of menstruation.

Variations in the menstrual cycle are not only related to typical female hormones, but also to testosterone.

Available treatments

And principle, treatment of low testosterone in women is pharmacological. Some drugs used to replace estrogen contain testosterone. Men can also receive injections or pellets of this hormone which are prescribed for men.

However, doctors tend to advise once morest this type of treatment. First, there is not enough research to support its effectiveness.

Secondly, certain warnings regarding him indicate that he might cause unwanted side effects, such as :

  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Voice Changes
  • Appearance of facial hair

It is also possible to use dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements. It is a steroid hormone that stimulates testosterone production. But there is no evidence of its long-term safety.

The recommended measures relate to lifestyle. These are the following:

  • Improve sleep quality
  • Adopt practices to reduce stress
  • Practice physical activity with reasonable breaks
  • Increase consumption of foods rich in vitamins A and D, and zinc. Avoid foods high in sugar and soy

Testosterone levels in women, a still controversial subject

Science still doesn’t fully understand the effects of low testosterone in women. There is no certainty as to its real impact and no specific treatment has been developed for this deficiency.

The administration of any testosterone supplement is only advised under strict medical supervision. Side effects can be significant. It is best to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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