Both men's and women's bodies manufacture testosterone, and although testosterone deficiency is commonly thought of as a male problem, women can also be affected. Low testosterone in women may be caused by the onset of menopause, by a hysterectomy, or by giving birth. Female testosterone levels are only about 10 percent that of males, but the hormone still plays a role in a host of different problems. Doctors have yet to agree on optimum levels of testosterone for women, but certain signs may indicate low testosterone is a problem.
Diminished Sex Drive
Testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries of women, and just as with men, women who have low levels of testosterone will often have a lower sex drive. Lack of desire and general disinterest in sexual activity is common. Women will also have difficulty maintaining sexual fantasies, difficulty reaching orgasm, and little to no sensitivity to nipple and clitoral stimulation, according to Indiana State University.
Muscle Weakness
General muscle weakness is also a sign of low testosterone in women. Muscle weakness can manifest as a lack of physical strength, or your muscles may tire quickly. The tone and shape of your muscles may also change.
Low Energy
As testosterone levels drop, fatigue may set in. Waking after a night's sleep and not feeling rested, or experiencing general fatigue during the day can be signs of low testosterone in women, although they can indicate many other conditions as well.
Osteoporosis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the risk for fractures due to osteoporosis increases drastically within five years of menopause. Lower estrogen levels are the primary culprit, but female testosterone levels also decline quite a bit during menopause.
Depression
Women tend to suffer from depression more often than men, and lower levels of testosterone in women may cause depression, especially during menopause and after removal of the ovaries, when levels drop dramatically, according to an abstract published on the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website.
References
- SafeMenopuaseSolutions.com: Low Testosterone Women and One of the Most Common Causes for Low Testosterone in Women
- Michael A. Werner, MD: Low Testosterone
- Indiana State University: Testosterone
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: The Impact of Testosterone Imbalance on Depression and Women's Health
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis Risk Factors
