How to Tell if You Have Low Testosterone as a Woman

BlogMenopause

Written by

Catherine Smith

Published on

May 28, 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Changes in testosterone can significantly impact women’s sexual function, hormonal balance, and well-being.
  • Low testosterone levels can cause symptoms such as decreased libido, chronic fatigue, and muscle weakness.
  • Symptoms of testosterone deficiency can easily be overlooked or misattributed to other health conditions.
  • Blood tests can help diagnose low testosterone levels in females.
  • Testosterone declines naturally with age, and more steeply during menopause.
  • Consulting a healthcare professional such as The Coil Clinic is beneficial if you suspect low testosterone levels.

Around 40% of women experience low testosterone during menopause. This hormone plays a crucial role in determining your libido and overall health and wellbeing. It can be hard to spot low testosterone in women because the symptoms can be incorrectly attributed to other issues.  Symptoms of low testosterone include reduced libido, fatigue and reduced strength.

If you are experiencing changes in your body and think you may have problematical testosterone levels, it’s important to speak to a health professional. At The Coil Clinic, we can talk to you about all aspects of changing hormone levels in a welcoming and non-rushed environment at a time that suits you. We may initially suggest a simple blood test to check your testosterone to find out if its low before discussing any recommended treatment. Testosterone naturally lowers as you get older, especially during menopause or if you’ve had your ovaries removed but there are options available to help relieve your symptoms. 

Understanding Low Testosterone in Women

Testosterone plays a crucial role in the hormonal balance of women.  Testosterone is a hormone that is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It helps with bone and muscle health, brain power, and keeps mood stable. In menopause, when hormones change a lot, many of these functions can be affected. .

A reduction in testosterone levels can start in the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. 

Low Testosterone in Women Can Affect Energy and Strength Levels.

Feelings of extreme tiredness, beyond the usual, are also a common sign of low testosterone. This deep fatigue can make daily tasks hard to handle.

Low testosterone can affect muscle strength, leaving you feeling weaker and unable to carry out the tasks you once could. As a result, you might feel less able to keep up in everyday activities. 

Mood Changes Due to Low Testosterone Levels In Women.

Mood changes are also a symptom of changes in testosterone. This can lead to being easily annoyed, feeling down, memory and focus problems or having a rollercoaster of emotions – all of which can interfere with your overall well-being.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone In Women: How The Coil Clinic Can Help. 

Diagnosing low testosterone in women needs a detailed health history and blood tests. Testing should be done at the right time in your menstrual cycle for accuracy. Getting help from a doctor is the first step to figuring out what’s going on and agreeing on the best steps forward for your individual needs. Some women may find relief from standard hormone therapy for these issues but, for others, testosterone replacement therapy is available in the form of gels or creams. Many of these can be provided on prescription via The Coil Clinic. If you choose to explore this route, your doctor will monitor your blood tests closely, adjusting treatment for your individual needs.

Conclusion

Having the right levels of testosterone is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. Often overshadowed by male testosterone, many forget its importance for women as well. It affects sex drive, mood, and general happiness. If you spot the signs early and chat things through with a qualified medical expert, you can improve your quality of life more quickly. 

If you would like to book a consultation at The Coil Clinic to discuss issues around hormone levels or wider menopause related concerns, please contact us at hello@thecoilclinic.co.uk

FAQ

How can you tell if you have low testosterone as a woman?

Spotting low testosterone levels in women involves noticing certain signs. These include things like low libido, feeling tired often, mood changes, and getting weaker and a drop in muscle mass. Getting a blood test, taken at the right time in your menstrual cycle, confirms if you have low testosterone.

What are the signs of low testosterone in females?

Women with low testosterone might feel less interested in sex, always feel tired, notice their moods shifting, find it hard to keep muscle strength, and struggle to focus. It’s key to watch for these signs during menopause or the years leading up to it. Catching it early means you can get the right help sooner.

What symptoms should you look for if you suspect low testosterone?

Look out for signs like mood changes, less muscle strength, a low sex drive, and feeling tired all the time. If you have several of these at once, you might want to have a blood test to check your hormones.

How is low testosterone diagnosed in women?

To check for low testosterone, doctors first look at your medical history and any symptoms. Then they do a blood test. This test should be taken between 8 to 20 days after your period starts, for the best results.

Are there self-assessment tools available for low testosterone?

Online tests and tools for checking hormones can help you understand things better. But, you should always talk to a professional and get blood tests done for a clear answer and the right treatment.

How does menopause affect testosterone levels in women?

As women age, their testosterone levels naturally go down. This drop is more significant during menopause or after surgery to remove the ovaries. It leads to many symptoms that affect your hormonal balance and how you feel every day.

What are the treatment options for low testosterone in women?

Women with low testosterone may get treatments like gels or creams that are applied to the skin. Doctors will tailor these treatments to each person and check their hormone levels regularly to make sure they’re right.

Why is testosterone important for women’s health?

Testosterone isn’t just for men. It helps women keep their sex life going, their bones and muscles strong, their brain sharp, and makes them feel good. It’s key for keeping you in good health all over.

When should you seek professional help for low testosterone symptoms?

If you notice you’re not as interested in sex, feel tired all the time, your moods are all over the place, or you’re getting physically weaker, talk to a doctor. Getting help early makes a big difference in how happy and healthy you are.

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Dr Catherine Smith

Dr Catherine Smith is the founder of The Coil Clinic. A GP and Women's Health Expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She is a BMS Certified Menopause Specialist