Reasons for Low Hormone Levels in Women: Estrogen and Testosterone

Reproductive heath is especially important to women. Equally important is the ability to conceive and bear healthy children. The two go hand in hand.

When a woman’s reproductive system is healthy, her body functions properly in terms of the different kinds of hormone levels that in turn affect the entire body. If a woman’s reproductive system is not healthy for some reason or there has been an injury or surgical intervention, the opposite may be true. There may be a lack of or a deficiency of estrogen and testosterone normally found in women.

This article examines other medical reasons for low hormone levels in women.

WebMd.com, in an article entitled “Normal Testosterone and Estrogen in Women” lists some of the more common medical reasons for low hormone levels in women as hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, pregnancy failure (estriol), perimenopause and menopause (estradiol), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), anorexia nervosa (eating disorder) and extreme exercise or training. 

To this list, one might add infection, injury to ovaries or kidneys, hysterectomy (partial or complete) and general poor health.

Hormonal tides and storms affect the lives of many women of all ages in an adverse manner, as their hormone levels tend to fluctuate. Many women of various ages and cultures do not understand what is happening to them and may think that they are ill when they experience low, hormone levels. There may be other associated medical conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated. Correcting hormone deficiencies may resolve many of the problems.

An annual medical examination is important for females of all ages. Tests can determine hormone levels and indicate the need for hormone replacement therapy.

When a young woman is unable to conceive, a thorough medical examination and diagnosis may reveal hormone deficiencies. If a woman has an excess of early menopausal symptoms, it may suggest her hormone levels are declining at that time. Unusual or prolonged pre-menstrual symptoms may indicate hormonal problems, where teens or younger women are concerned.

Most women, of all ages, know their own bodies and are aware when they have unusual pre-menstrual, menstrual or post-menstrual symptoms. Most women experience some degree of hot flashes, fluid retention and swelling, spotting, sweating and irritability associated with early or later menopause. These symptoms are usually the result of low hormone levels.

Understanding the importance of over-all good health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for women’s reproductive health, particularly during childbearing years. Continuing to stay healthy is equally important to prevent other problems in later years. This includes a proper diet with the necessary vitamins and supplements, regular exercise and good personal hygiene.

Excessive medication administration can affect hormone levels too. Remember that every medication consumed has a positive and negative effect on the human body.

Excessive stress, with or without strenuous exercise, may have a negative effect that results in low hormone levels, so keeping life in a healthy balance is important.

When in doubt about low levels of hormones, seeking advice from a medical professional is always a good idea.