Is this a female?

No both males and females have the same characteristics. Not until you hit the time of year where its 12 sunlight, 12 darkness or more will they show sex.

 

I would not worry about the dying leaves...all plants lose leaves as time goes on.

 

There is a sticky on this. http://forum.grasscity.com/absolute-beginners/873879-how-tell-whether-your-plants-male-female.html

P.S the leaves at the bottom of the plant naturally drop of it's completely normal.

 

and that is a great sticky for you to read