Understanding High and Low Testosterone in Men and Women: Symptoms, Risks & How to Improve Levels
Testosterone is often thought of as a “male hormone,” but it plays an essential role in both men and women. From metabolism to mood, libido, muscle mass, bone strength, and overall vitality, healthy testosterone levels support whole-body wellness. When levels fall outside the optimal range—whether too low or too high—they can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect daily life.
In this guide, we break down the effects of low and high testosterone, how each impacts men and women differently, and science-backed strategies to restore healthy balance. We also highlight how simple and convenient it is to track your hormone levels at home with the My Labs Direct Advanced Testosterone Test Kit.
Why Testosterone Matters for Everyone
While testosterone levels naturally differ between men and women, the hormone is essential for:
- Energy production
- Mood regulation
- Muscle development
- Libido and sexual function
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Metabolic health
That’s why maintaining the right balance is crucial for long-term wellness.
Low Testosterone
Low Testosterone in Men: Symptoms & Risks
When testosterone drops below healthy levels, men may experience:
- Low libido or erectile difficulties
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat
- Fatigue and low energy
- Depressed mood or irritability
- Poor sleep
- Reduced bone density
- Difficulty concentrating
Long-term low testosterone has been linked to metabolic issues, increased cardiovascular risk, and decreased quality of life.
How Men Can Improve Low Testosterone
Men can naturally support healthy testosterone by:
- Getting regular strength training
- Prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Managing weight, especially abdominal fat
- Increasing zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium intake
- Reducing chronic stress
- Reviewing medications that may impact hormone levels
If low levels persist, many men discuss hormonal therapy with a licensed provider—something made easier when you have accurate lab results in hand.
Low Testosterone in Women: Symptoms & Risks
Women also need testosterone for sexual health, mood stability, cognitive function, and muscle tone. Low levels can lead to:
- Decreased libido
- Low energy
- Lower motivation
- Difficulty building muscle
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Poor focus
Low testosterone in women is common during perimenopause/menopause but can also happen from stress, overtraining, or contraceptive use.
How Women Can Improve Low Testosterone
Women may support healthy testosterone levels by:
- Increasing resistance training
- Eating protein-dense meals
- Supporting adrenal health with stress management
- Getting adequate sleep
- Ensuring healthy fats in the diet (omega-3s, avocados, olive oil)
- Checking iron, vitamin D, and thyroid function, which influence hormone balance
Women should always consult a provider before considering hormone therapy.
High Testosterone
High Testosterone in Men: Symptoms & Health Effects
While less common than low testosterone, high levels can be caused by supplementation, tumors, or metabolic issues. Symptoms include:
- Acne or oily skin
- Aggression or irritability
- Increased body hair
- Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Elevated red blood cell count
- Fertility issues
Persistently high testosterone can increase the risk of heart problems or liver stress, especially when linked to over-supplementation.
How Men Can Improve High Testosterone
Men with excessively high levels may benefit from:
- Reviewing supplement or hormone use
- Avoiding anabolic steroids
- Reducing excessive protein or creatine intake
- Managing sleep apnea
- Working with a clinician for hormone regulation
High Testosterone in Women: Symptoms & Health Effects
High testosterone is far more common in women than in men and is frequently associated with conditions like PCOS. Symptoms include:
- Irregular cycles
- Acne
- Increased facial or body hair
- Scalp hair thinning
- Mood changes
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
How Women Can Improve High Testosterone
Strategies for women include:
- Managing insulin levels through diet and exercise
- Increasing fiber intake
- Reducing high-sugar, high-carb foods
- Prioritizing strength training and moderate cardio
- Reviewing medications or contraceptives with a provider
Track Your Testosterone Levels at Home
My Labs Direct Advanced Testosterone Test Kit
Understanding your hormone levels is the first step toward improving them. With the My Labs Direct Advanced Testosterone Test Kit, you can easily measure testosterone levels at home without scheduling a clinic visit.
Our at-home test kit offers:
- Easy sample collection
- CLIA-certified and COLA-accredited laboratory processing
- Fast, private digital results
- Medical-grade accuracy
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant reporting
Because hormone levels fluctuate, regular monitoring is key for understanding patterns and detecting imbalances early.
👉 Explore the kit here: https://mylabsdirect.com/product/advanced-testosterone-test-kit/
FSA/HSA Eligible Testing for Affordable Wellness
All eligible My Labs Direct test kits can be purchased using FSA or HSA funds, making at-home testing an affordable and convenient way to invest in your health.
Take Control of Your Hormone Health
Testosterone imbalances can affect everything from energy and mood to sexual well-being and long-term metabolic health. With accurate at-home blood testing, you can stay proactive, informed, and empowered.
Visit MyLabsDirect.com to explore all of our wellness and hormone test kits.
