Low Testosterone Symptoms in Women

Many of us associate testosterone with men’s health, but it’s actually crucial for women’s wellbeing too. When testosterone levels drop too low in women, it can trigger symptoms affecting everything from your energy and mood to your bone health and libido. Low testosterone symptoms in women are often overlooked as the cause of common issues like fatigue, mood changes, and thinning hair.

At Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine (RIFM), we take a science-backed, whole-person approach to help you restore optimal hormone balance naturally.

What is Testosterone’s Role in Women’s Health?

Testosterone belongs to a group of hormones called androgens. While women produce about one-tenth the amount of testosterone compared to men, this small amount plays vital roles throughout your body:

• Muscle strength and maintenance
• Bone density and prevention of osteoporosis
• Brain health and cognitive function
• Mood regulation and mental wellbeing
• Sexual desire and arousal
• Skin elasticity and hair health
• Energy production and metabolism
• Weight management

Testosterone elevates norepinephrine levels in the brain, creating a natural antidepressant effect. This key hormone works alongside estrogen and progesterone to maintain your overall hormonal balance. Think of these as your body’s “Goldilocks hormones” – they need to be not too high, not too low, but just right for you to feel your best.

8 Common Low Testosterone Symptoms in Women

Low testosterone in women often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. Watch for these key signs:

1. Fatigue and Low Energy – Persistent tiredness even with adequate rest
2. Decreased Libido – Reduced interest in sex and difficulty becoming aroused
3. Mood Changes – Increased anxiety, irritability, or depression
4. Muscle Weakness – Loss of strength and decreased muscle tone
5. Thinning Hair – Hair loss or reduced hair thickness on head
6. Thin Lips and Skin Changes – Loss of skin elasticity and thinning of lips
7. Weight Gain – Especially around the abdomen
8. Cognitive Issues – Brain fog, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, your testosterone levels may be worth investigating.

Normal vs. Low Testosterone Symptoms in Women

What Causes Low Testosterone in Women?

Several factors can trigger low testosterone symptoms in women:

Age-Related Decline

Testosterone naturally decreases as women age, with levels typically dropping by half between a woman’s 20s and menopause.

Chronic Stress

Prolonged stress affects your adrenal glands, which produce a portion of your testosterone. This creates a negative cycle: stress reduces testosterone, and lower testosterone levels can further impair your ability to manage stress.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen, can increase sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and makes less of it available for use by your body.

Poor Sleep Quality

Quality sleep is essential for hormone production and balance. Both insufficient sleep and sleep disorders can disrupt testosterone production.

Depression and Mental Health Issues

There’s a bidirectional relationship between low testosterone and depression – each can contribute to the other.

Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders

Since some testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, conditions affecting these glands can impact testosterone levels.

How to Test for Low Testosterone

Diagnosing low testosterone in women requires both comprehensive testing and clinical evaluation. Standard blood tests may miss subtle hormone imbalances that affect your health.

At Richmond Functional Medicine, we assess total and free testosterone levels along with related hormones like DHEA, cortisol, and estrogen to understand your complete hormonal picture. This holistic approach helps identify the root cause of your symptoms rather than just treating isolated hormone levels.

Optimal female testosterone ranges vary by age, but generally fall between 15-70 ng/dL for total testosterone. However, symptoms matter more than numbers—some women experience symptoms despite “normal” lab results due to individual variability.

Natural Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels

You can support healthy testosterone levels naturally through lifestyle modifications and targeted nutritional support:

1. Prioritize Quality Sleep

The foundation of hormone balance starts with 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Create a consistent sleep schedule and optimize your sleep environment to be dark, quiet, and cool.

2. Manage Stress Effectively

Regular stress management practices support adrenal gland function and healthy hormone production. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

3. Exercise Strategically

Regular physical activity, especially strength training, can naturally boost testosterone levels. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has also been shown to positively impact hormone balance.

4. Optimize Nutrition

Eating a balanced, whole-foods diet provides the nutrients your body needs to produce hormones properly:

• Include healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts
• Consume adequate protein from quality sources
• Eat a rainbow of colorful plants for essential vitamins and minerals
• Limit processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, which can disrupt hormone balance

5. Consider Targeted Supplements

Certain nutrients and supplements may help support healthy testosterone levels in women:

• Zinc – Essential for testosterone production
• Magnesium – Supports overall hormone balance
• Vitamin D – Acts as a hormone and supports testosterone production
• Arginine – May help increase testosterone levels
• Glutamine – Supports adrenal function
• Leucine – An amino acid that supports hormone production

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual needs.

When to See a Doctor About Low Testosterone

Consider consulting a healthcare provider specializing in hormone health if:

• Your symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life
• You’ve tried lifestyle modifications without improvement
• You have a history of endocrine disorders
• You’re experiencing premature menopause symptoms
• You have unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or libido issues

A functional medicine approach can help identify the root causes of your hormone imbalances and create a personalized plan to restore balance naturally.

FAQs: Low Testosterone Symptoms in Women

Restoring Balance with a Whole-Person Approach

At RIFM, we understand that optimal hormone health requires looking at the bigger picture. Testosterone exists in a delicate balance with other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and insulin.

A truly holistic, individualized approach to hormonal health is necessary to maximize your health potential. We help you restore your health and hope with science-backed solutions, so you can live the vibrant life you were made for.