Just as with estrogen and progesterone, a woman is also at risk of a decline in testosterone levels when she reaches menopause. In addition, growth hormone production is also in decline from before age thirty onward. The symptoms of low testosterone in women often mimic those of growth hormone deficiency or menopause. It is exceedingly difficult to know what is causing these changes without doing a blood test. If you are a woman over age forty-five, you may be dealing with multiple hormonal imbalances. The only way to receive the proper treatment is by undergoing blood analysis. That is how your hormone specialist can attribute your symptoms to your body’s health. Many of the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in females are similar to those in males. You see, testosterone performs many of the same functions in all adults. Testosterone is a vital androgen hormone, with receptors located on cells in the brain, on all tissues including muscles, and in bones. When free testosterone arrives at an androgen receptor, it enters it to begin an action that will benefit the body. If free testosterone levels are too low, then these actions do not occur. The result is symptoms associated with Low T. As we stated, the symptoms of low testosterone in a female often mimic menopause. That is because the biggest decline in testosterone production in the ovaries occurs at that time. When a woman reaches menopause, her ovaries no longer produce three essential hormones:

• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• Estrogen

The body still produces some of these hormones in peripheral tissues, the brain, and the adrenal glands. Estrogen production often outreaches the other two hormones because an enzyme in belly fat called aromatase converts free testosterone into estradiol. That further depletes testosterone levels. Because low testosterone is prevalent during menopause, a woman may experience hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, mental fog, and night sweats. Low testosterone symptoms also common with growth hormone deficiency include:

• Decreased metabolic functions
• Hair thinning or loss
• Muscle mass decline
• Reduced bone density
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Mood changes
• High cholesterol

As you can see, without getting a blood test, it is impossible to determine which hormone(s) is in decline.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women often mimic those of other hormonal imbalances.

Why Do Women Get Low Testosterone?

When you begin to think about these symptoms of low testosterone in women, it is natural to wonder why they happen in the first place. If hormone levels naturally decrease as we age, why does the body act in these ways? Not every woman will suffer from Low T. The same applies to men. Just because hormone levels decline does not mean the body will feel the change. Every person has a unique metabolism for how they react to changes in the body. Some women will never even know they have gone through menopause except for the end of their menstrual periods. For others, the body cannot adjust to the decline in testosterone. When that occurs, your body will respond by presenting you with symptoms in areas of function generally associated with testosterone. If you do experience the effects of low testosterone on females, there is nothing to worry about if you realize it. You can then receive testing and treatment from a hormone specialist to boost your testosterone levels back to their normal point. At that time, the symptoms will subside.

Some women get low testosterone symptoms because their bodies cannot adjust to the natural decline in hormone production.

How Do the Physical Symptoms of Low Testosterone Effect Women?

Testosterone influences the female body in many ways. In this section, we are going to examine the physical side effects of low testosterone in females. These manifestations can be minor nuisances in the beginning. However, they can lead to greater problems in the future. The most common physical symptoms of low testosterone in women include:

• Weight GainLow testosterone is often associated with an increase in body fat due to the aromatase conversion of free testosterone into estradiol. Estrogen is a hormone that tells the body to store fat for future energy needs. When you have a higher conversion rate of testosterone to estradiol, you wind up with more belly fat. That means an increase in aromatase which further seeks out additional free testosterone to convert. The more estradiol you have, the more you will retain fat – and the cycle continues. Left untreated, low testosterone can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Muscle LossWhile you gain weight, your body also decreases muscle mass. Testosterone is crucial for sending signals to the androgen receptors on your muscles to improve muscle mass. If you have Low T, you will likely see your muscle tone and strength begin to diminish. Since the muscles help cushion and support the bones, you increase your risk of fractures as you age.
• Decreased Bone DensityTestosterone loss influences your bones in two ways:
  • First, without enough testosterone, your body may not be able to make enough estradiol. Estrogen is crucial for your bones because it helps slow down the process of bone remodeling. Without enough estrogen, your body will absorb old bone cells faster than it can produce new ones.
  • Second, testosterone helps to increase bone mineral density to protect the bones from becoming weak. Low testosterone left untreated can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Hair GrowthLow testosterone is sometimes due to an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. If the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts too much testosterone into DHT, you can experience thinning hair or even male pattern balding. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, weakening new hair growth and causing it to fall out sooner.
• Insomnia and FatigueAlthough both different, insomnia and fatigue have a lot to do with each other. Testosterone is a hormone that helps promote sleep. When testosterone levels are low, the body responds by increasing the production of cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can keep you from falling asleep at night. Not getting enough sleep reduces your nocturnal production of testosterone and growth hormone. As a result, you awaken feeling tired. Fatigue and lack of energy are common signs of Low T.
• Low Sex DriveTestosterone is the primary stimulator of sex drive in women. If you have Low T, you likely feel as though you are not in the mood as often as you were in your younger years. Add to that the vaginal dryness that often accompanies menopause, and you probably shy away from sex since it feels unpleasant. Not only will testosterone help to increase vaginal lubrication, but it will also bring a return of sexual fantasies, dreams, and desires.
• Elevated Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Blood PressureTestosterone helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. In addition, because testosterone stimulates red blood cell production, having Low T can lead to anemia. All these changes can increase a woman’s risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

The physical symptoms of low testosterone in women can impact health and weaken the body.

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

The brain is also the location of an abundant supply of androgen receptors that require a daily amount of testosterone. When a woman produces less testosterone than her body needs, the androgen receptors in the brain do not get their required signals. That can result in some serious cognitive and emotional issues. The symptoms of lack of testosterone in females associated with the brain’s androgen receptors include:

• Mental FatigueA tired brain is different from a tired body. You find that you cannot focus and concentrate on any one thing for an extended time. Some people refer to this as brain fog.
• Memory LossIt is natural to forget why you entered a room or where you placed your keys as you get older. Part of the problem is the fact we have so many things on our minds and are always trying to do too much at any one time. That is not the same as Low T-related memory loss. Testosterone helps trigger the brain receptors responsible for recalling stored away information. That is why many people with Low T who receive testosterone therapy find that their memory improves. Left untreated, low testosterone can increase the risk of dementia.
• Mood SwingsMany women can relate to hormone-induced mood swings, especially if they were susceptible to these changes during their monthly menstrual cycle. With low testosterone, you may notice feeling down, frustrated, or anxious. Some women experience increased stress or irritability.
• DepressionAlong the lines of mood swings, depression is extremely common in adults suffering from Low T. Not only do you have cause for depression due to the physical changes we already mentioned but when you add an already rocky emotional state to the equation, depression naturally follows.

These symptoms of low testosterone in women will not go away on their own. Instead, they will likely worsen with time. Decreased motivation, productivity, and impaired quality of life can take a toll. We can help. HT Medical Center is a national hormone clinic offering free, confidential consultations to women and men throughout the US. Our simplified process for diagnostic testing and treatment can help restore balance to your hormone levels and your life. Contact us today for more information.

The emotional and cognitive symptoms of low testosterone in women can lead you to depression and increase the risk of dementia.