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Did you know that low testosterone is fairly common in women in their 20s & 30s who have not yet reached perimenopause? So many factors contribute to testosterone level fluctuations, but women with low T often fly under the radar until they reach perimenopause or menopause, when hormones become a regular part of the wellness conversation. Keep reading to learn to recognize the signs and causes of low testosterone in younger women.
Symptoms of Low T in Women:
Low Libido - Reduced sexual desire is one of the most noticeable signs, as testosterone influences sexual drive.
Fatigue - Persistent feelings of tiredness or low energy, even after adequate sleep.
Decreased Muscle Mass and Strength - Difficulty building or maintaining muscle, along with a possible increase in body fat despite exercise.
Mood Changes - Mood swings, irritability, or feeling more anxious or depressed than usual. Testosterone helps stabilize mood.
Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating - A lack of mental clarity, difficulty focusing, or forgetfulness.
Reduced Bone Density - Though more common later in life, low testosterone can affect bone health, potentially leading to weakened bones and higher risk of fractures.
Decreased Motivation and Drive - Lower overall motivation, including reduced enthusiasm for work, exercise, or social activities.
What Makes Women in This Age Group More Prone to Low Testosterone?
Chronic Stress
High stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can inhibit testosterone production. Work pressure, family obligations, or emotional stress can deplete testosterone over time.
Overtraining or Intense Exercise
Excessive exercise without proper recovery can lead to hormonal imbalances, including reduced testosterone levels, especially in women who are highly active or engaged in intense physical training.
Poor Diet or Nutrient Deficiencies
Low-fat diets, in particular, can lower testosterone because fats (especially healthy fats like omega-3s) are crucial for hormone production. Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D can also contribute to low testosterone.
Hormonal Birth Control
Some hormonal contraceptives (like the pill) can suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone. Oral contraceptives are particularly known to lower testosterone levels. This is compounded by the fact that oral contraceptives lower serum levels of zinc.
Sleep Issues
Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can negatively affect testosterone production, which occurs primarily during deep sleep cycles.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid hormone imbalances (hypothyroidism) can lower testosterone levels. Women with thyroid issues may experience overlapping symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and mood disturbances.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
While PCOS is usually associated with high testosterone, some women may experience low testosterone, especially after years of hormone fluctuation.
Adrenal Fatigue
Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to adrenal fatigue, where the adrenal glands (which help produce testosterone) become depleted, contributing to low testosterone.
Because testosterone levels in women are naturally much lower than in men, there’s less awareness and clinical focus on detecting and treating low testosterone in women. Standard ranges for “normal” testosterone in women also vary widely, making diagnosis and prevalence harder to pinpoint.
Despite these challenges, at Vitality we often encounter women with symptoms of low testosterone who benefit from lifestyle changes or hormone support. We hope this article has armed you with information that will help you to better advocate for your own healthcare. If you're concerned about testosterone deficiency, call us today to get started on tackling your hormones together!
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