5 Reasons Your Testosterone Is Low
Let’s Talk About Testosterone (Yes, Women Need It Too)
I love testosterone. Sure, too much can lead to acne, chin hair, and other not-so-fun side effects—but too little, and you might find yourself struggling with muscle loss, low libido, and a flat mood. Testosterone isn’t just a "male hormone"; it's a major player in women's health too.
And here’s the kicker: testosterone naturally declines with age—but not only because of menopause. And not in every woman!
I’ve seen women in their 30s with very low levels and women in their 50s holding steady. Yes, it tends to drop with age, but it’s not a clear-cut, one-size-fits-all situation.
Where Is Testosterone Made in Women?
Testosterone comes from three key places in your body:
Your ovaries – specifically the theca cells that surround your follicles
Your adrenal glands – these two glands sit on top of your kidneys
Peripheral tissues – like fat and skin, which can convert other hormones into testosterone
So, it’s not just one source—it’s a whole network. And that means multiple factors can mess with production.
How to Test Your Testosterone Levels
Start by asking your provider to check your levels. If you're doing a blood test, make sure it includes:
Total testosterone
Free testosterone
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
These three give you a fuller picture of how much testosterone is circulating and how much is actually available for your body to use. Be sure it’s run on something called a mass spec (LC/MS/MS) not immunoassay at the lab. This is much more accurate.
And yes, you can absolutely add these to your regular hormone panel.
Surgical Menopause? Your Testosterone May Be Lower
If you've had your ovaries removed, your testosterone levels are likely lower—sometimes significantly—because you’ve lost one of your main production sites. This is important to know if you're not feeling like yourself post-surgery.
Top 5 Reasons Testosterone Can Drop Faster Than Expected
Even if you still have your ovaries, here are the most common reasons I see testosterone take a nosedive:
Medications
The birth control pill, opioid pain meds, and glucocorticosteroids (like prednisone) can lower testosterone.
Chronic stress
Over time, chronic stress can suppress adrenal function. Think of it like your body pulling the emergency brake—production slows down across the board, including testosterone.
Environmental hormone disruptors
Exposure to phthalates (from plastics), pesticides, and heavy metals like cadmium and mercury can interfere with hormone production. Unfortunately, we’re surrounded by these daily.
Hypothyroidism
A 2024 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders found a direct connection between low thyroid function and decreased testosterone. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it’s worth checking your T levels too.
Infections
While more widely studied in men, it makes sense that infections—especially chronic ones like Lyme or mold exposure—can disrupt hormone balance. Even an acute illness like the flu can temporarily shift your hormones. (So maybe don’t run to get blood work done mid-fever.)
Final Thoughts: Testosterone Is a Big Deal for Women, Too
Testosterone might not get the spotlight that estrogen does, but it plays a huge role in how you feel, how you function, and how you thrive.
If you’re dealing with fatigue, low sex drive, muscle weakness, or mood swings—and especially if you’ve had your ovaries removed, are under chronic stress, or have thyroid issues—get your testosterone tested.
Understanding your hormone picture gives you the power to support your body with the right tools—whether that’s lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbs, or medical therapies.
You deserve to feel strong, vibrant, and like yourself again.