Low testosterone in women can lead to changes in libido or mood, and reduced muscle and bone mass. Testosterone levels are expected to decreased with age, especially during menopause. However, other more specific conditions can also lower testosterone in women, such as surgical removal of the ovaries or chemotherapy.

It is normal for circulating testosterone levels in women to be lower than men's, as this hormone is responsible for secondary male characteristics. However, having ideal levels of testosterone in women is important so that certain functions of the body are maintained.

If you notice any symptoms of low testosterone, you should consult a gynecologist for testing to determine the underlying cause and to start the most appropriate treatment.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of low testosterone in women are:

Low libido
Mood swings
Lack of motivation
Persistent fatigue and tiredness
Decrease in muscle mass and strength
Weight gain or accumulation of body fat
Decrease in bone mass
Vaginal dryness

A decrease in testosterone in women can also lead to infertility and getting pregnant more difficult.

Confirming a diagnosis

A low testosterone diagnosis in women is confirmed by a gynecologist, who will start with assessing the presenting symptoms and ordering bloodwork to check free testosterone levels in the blood.

Normal testosterone levels in women vary depending on age, and can be between 15 to 70 ng/dL.

The doctor may also indicate the measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels when androgenic insufficiency due to adrenal causes is suspected.

Possible causes

The main causes of low testosterone in women are:

Aging
Surgical removal or dysfunctioning ovaries
Use of medications with estrogens, antiandrogens or glucocorticoids
Malnutrition, including anorexia nervosa
Diseases such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and AIDS
Hyperprolactinemia
Tumor in the pituitary gland
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy

It is also common for menopausal women to experience changes in hormone levels, including changes in testosterone.

Treatment options

Treatment to increase the amount of testosterone in women is controversial, as there is still not much scientific information about the safety of long-term testosterone use in women.

Furthermore, testosterone supplements were manufactured in concentrations for men and not for women, so they are not completely recommended.

For this reason, the treatment must be discussed with the gynecologist and, if carried out, it is important to follow his instructions.

Testosterone-based medications

Your doctor may consider prescribing medication to increase testosterone, such as:

Injectable testosterone: which can injected alone or combined with estrogen
Testosterone tablets: which can be obtained at pharmacies with a prescription, in doses of 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg per day
Testosterone patches: which can provide 300 µg/day of testosterone and should be changed every 4 days;
Testosterone gel or Androgel: which can be made in a compound pharmacy as 1% to 2% testosterone propionate and applied to the external vagina

Testosterone treatment should not be carried out for more than 6 months. It is also important for the doctor to provide ongoing monitoring and testing during treatment.

The doctor may consider prescriber a DHEA supplement, which is a substance that is a precursor to testosterone. However, there are few studies available that prove its effectiveness, and it is important to consult your gynecologist before taking it. Read more about dhea and the health benefits it can provide.

How to increase testosterone in women naturally

To increase testosterone in women naturally, it is possible to incorporate nutrients that are involved in testosterone production in your daily diet.

Therefore, you can consume foods that are rich in zinc, omega 3, vitamin A and D, such as nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, carrots, sardines, spinach and fish oil, for example.

It is also important to avoid excess intake of foods that are rich in sugar, as well as soy and its derivatives, as they can interfere with testosterone production.

Avoiding stress and dedicating time to relaxation and regular physical activity can also play a role in increasing testosterone levels. Reach more about other testosterone boosters you can take to increase low levels.

Possible risks

The use of testosterone by women is only indicated when prescribed by a gynecologist, as excessive, unnecessary and unregulated use of testosterone can lead to side effects, such as:

Increasing the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer
Increasing the risk of a heart attack or thrombosis, as it increases cholesterol
Development of insulin resistance
Changes in the skin, favoring the appearance of acne
Changes in voice and increase in body hair
Increased clitoris size

Additionally, testosterone can lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, which can promote the accumulation of fat between the organs and increase the risk of heart problems and liver toxicity.

Due to the risks associated with testosterone supplementation in women, use for increasing muscle mass in women is not recommended.