Low Testosterone in Women: Yes, It’s a Thing—and Here’s What to Know
- Breanne Pflanz, APRN-BC
- Oct 17, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
When most people think about testosterone, they picture muscle-bound men and aggressive behavior. But here’s the truth: testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone.” Women produce it too—and it plays a vital role in everything from energy and mood to libido and brain function. At Balanced You Medical Wellness, we work with women every day who are struggling with low testosterone and don’t even know it. In this blog, we’re setting the record straight on low testosterone in women, what it feels like, and how we treat it.
What Is Testosterone and Why Women Need It
Testosterone is an androgen (a type of sex hormone) produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. While it’s best known for fueling male puberty and muscle growth, it’s essential for female physiology too. In women, testosterone supports:
Energy levels
Mental clarity and focus
Sex drive and sexual satisfaction
Muscle tone and metabolism
Bone density and joint strength
Like estrogen and progesterone, testosterone levels begin to decline naturally with age—especially in perimenopause and menopause. But other factors can cause a drop much earlier.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Women
Several triggers can contribute to low testosterone in women:
Aging and menopause: Natural hormone decline, especially post-40
Chronic stress: Overworked adrenal glands reduce hormone production
Surgical menopause: Ovary removal instantly lowers testosterone
Birth control pills or steroids: These can suppress natural testosterone output
Medical conditions: PCOS, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance
When testosterone drops below optimal levels, the effects ripple through your entire body.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
The signs of low testosterone are often vague or mistaken for stress, overwork, or aging. They include:
Constant fatigue or lack of stamina
Decreased libido or difficulty with arousal
Irritability, mood swings, or unexplained depression
Difficulty building or maintaining muscle, despite exercise
Trouble focusing or memory problems (brain fog)
Slowed metabolism and unwanted weight gain
Because these symptoms overlap with other hormonal issues, it’s crucial to look at the whole hormone picture—not just estrogen and progesterone.
Why It’s Often Overlooked
Unfortunately, many providers don’t routinely test testosterone levels in women. The medical system tends to focus heavily on estrogen and progesterone, often overlooking androgens unless there's a specific diagnosis like PCOS.
Even when tested, women are frequently told they’re “within normal range”—even if their symptoms are life-altering. But “normal” isn’t always optimal. You deserve to feel your best, not just survive on the low end of average.
How Balanced You Diagnoses Low Testosterone in Women
At Balanced You, we take a full-spectrum approach to hormone health. We order comprehensive hormone panels that measure:
Total testosterone
Free testosterone (the active, available form)
DHEA, cortisol, and thyroid hormones
Estrogen and progesterone
We combine these labs with an in-depth discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle factors. This helps us uncover patterns other clinics might miss.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone in Women
Once low testosterone is confirmed, we customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals. Our options include:
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy): We use bioidentical testosterone that’s chemically identical to what your body makes. It’s available in creams, troches (dissolvable tablets), or pellet implants.
Lifestyle interventions: Nutrition, resistance training, and sleep optimization all help support hormone production and balance.
Adrenal and thyroid support: Because these systems are interconnected, treating them simultaneously can improve your outcome.
We monitor your progress and adjust your plan based on lab results and how you feel—not just textbook numbers.
Real-Life Patient Story: Rediscovering Vitality
Meet Sarah, a 47-year-old woman who came to Balanced You feeling exhausted, disconnected from her partner, and frustrated by weight gain despite daily workouts. Lab testing revealed low free testosterone and cortisol imbalance. After beginning BHRT and incorporating strength training and adrenal support, Sarah reported increased energy, improved intimacy, better sleep, and finally lost stubborn inches around her waist. Her story is one of many.
FAQs: Low Testosterone in Women
Is testosterone therapy safe for women?
Yes—when prescribed appropriately and monitored, bioidentical testosterone therapy is safe and effective.
Will it make me grow facial hair or deepen my voice?
Not when properly dosed. These effects typically occur with high, unmonitored doses or synthetic androgens—not BHRT.
How long until I feel results?
Most women start to feel noticeable changes within 3 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months.
Can I use testosterone therapy if I’m still having periods?
Yes. Testosterone therapy can be used in perimenopause and even earlier, depending on symptoms and lab findings.
Final Thoughts
Low testosterone in women is real—and it matters. If you’re feeling flat, foggy, or disconnected, it’s time to stop blaming yourself or chalking it up to age. Balanced You Medical Wellness is here to help you uncover the root cause and guide you toward a customized solution.
Take our free online hormone assessment today to find out if low testosterone might be affecting you. For expert hormone therapy in Omaha, contact Balanced You to schedule your consultation.
Sources
Endocrine Society (2022). Guidelines on androgen therapy in women.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2021). Low testosterone in midlife women.
Mayo Clinic (2023). Testosterone therapy and female health.
International Menopause Society (2022). Hormonal treatment for women’s sexual and metabolic health.
Comments