From the Research
Low testosterone in women can be caused by several factors, including aging, medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, and hypothyroidism, as well as surgical removal of the ovaries, certain medications, and chronic stress, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Women
The causes of low testosterone in women can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Medical conditions: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, and hypothyroidism, as mentioned in 1 and 3
- Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), which significantly reduces testosterone levels, as ovaries produce about half of a woman's testosterone, as stated in 1
- Medications: oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants can suppress testosterone production, as noted in 1 and 2
- Chronic stress, which elevates cortisol levels and can interfere with testosterone synthesis, as discussed in 2
- Other factors: extreme weight loss, eating disorders, excessive exercise, obesity, chronic illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS, nutritional deficiencies, and excessive alcohol consumption, as mentioned in 1, 2, and 4
Importance of Proper Evaluation and Treatment
Women experiencing symptoms like fatigue, decreased libido, muscle weakness, or mood changes should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment options, as emphasized in 1, 2, and 4. Testosterone replacement therapy, as studied in 4, can improve bone density, body composition, and neurobehavioral function in women with severe androgen deficiency due to hypopituitarism, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.