TikToker's low testosterone symptoms in women, fact-checked

What does this TikTok actually claim?

@itsourremedy responds to another user by listing symptoms of low testosterone in women, drawing from her personal experience with the condition. She doesn't specify exact symptoms in the caption, but positions herself as someone who's been through surgical menopause and testosterone deficiency.

The video targets women going through perimenopause, menopause, or surgical menopause who might be experiencing hormone-related symptoms. Her approach combines personal experience with educational content about female testosterone deficiency.

Is low testosterone actually a thing in women?

Yes, and it's more common than many realize. Women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, with normal levels ranging from 15-70 ng/dL compared to men's 300-1000 ng/dL range.

The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project (Davis et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2019) found that testosterone levels decline by about 50% between ages 20-45 in women. After surgical menopause, levels can drop even more dramatically since the ovaries are removed.

Common symptoms include decreased libido, fatigue, mood changes, and reduced muscle mass. However, diagnosing low testosterone in women remains tricky because normal ranges vary widely and symptoms overlap with other conditions.

What does the research say about treatment?

The evidence for testosterone therapy in women is mixed but growing. The Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy (Davis et al., Climacteric, 2019) recommends testosterone therapy specifically for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

A meta-analysis by Davis et al. (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2019) reviewed 36 trials involving 8,480 women. They found testosterone therapy improved sexual function scores by 0.37 points on validated scales and increased satisfying sexual episodes by 0.8 per month.

But here's where it gets complicated. The FDA hasn't approved any testosterone products specifically for women. Most prescriptions are compounded or off-label use of male formulations at lower doses, typically 1-10mg daily versus men's 50-100mg doses.

What should women actually know about this?

Getting tested isn't straightforward. Total testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and can be unreliable in women. Free testosterone measurements are more accurate but require specialized lab techniques that many standard tests don't use.

The Endocrine Society's 2014 guidelines actually recommend against routine testosterone testing in women because reference ranges are poorly defined. Many experts now focus on symptoms rather than just lab numbers when considering treatment.

Side effects matter too. The Australian longitudinal study (Glintborg et al., Clinical Endocrinology, 2018) found that 12% of women experienced acne, 8% had voice changes, and 3% developed male-pattern hair growth on testosterone therapy. These changes can be permanent even after stopping treatment.

If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, low libido, or mood changes after menopause, talk to a healthcare provider experienced in women's hormone therapy. Don't rely solely on social media for medical guidance, even from well-meaning creators sharing their experiences.