Once regarded strictly as a male hormone, testosterone is now at the center of one of the most dynamic discussions in women’s health. Once considered taboo, the idea of testosterone therapy for women has rapidly gained attention among those seeking relief from menopause-related symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and low libido.
“Nobody would talk about testosterone for women a few years ago,” says Dr. Susan Davis, a leading researcher in women’s hormone health and professor at Monash University. “Now, it’s everywhere.”
But as enthusiasm rises, medical experts warn that science has not fully caught up with public demand. “Some people are prescribing it without really understanding it in depth,” Davis notes. Questions around dosage, safety, and long-term effects remain largely unanswered — particularly for women.
The Role of Testosterone in Women’s Health
Although testosterone is often associated with men, it plays crucial roles in women’s physiology as well. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, it regulates sex drive, supports bone and muscle health, and contributes to mood stability and energy levels.
Dr. Nora Lansen, a menopause-certified primary care physician and Chief Medical Officer at Elektra Health, explains, “Testosterone has been the last hormone we’ve tried to understand better in women. We’re only beginning to grasp its full importance.”
Interest in hormone therapy for women declined sharply after early 2000s studies linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Although later analyses exposed flaws in that research, many clinicians and patients remain wary of hormone-based treatments.
Currently, the only evidence-based use of testosterone for women is in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) — a form of persistently low libido after menopause. “Every study, regardless of size, shows benefit over placebo,” says Davis. Yet many women experiencing sexual dissatisfaction are dismissed by doctors who attribute it to aging.
“If you’re postmenopausal and low libido is affecting your quality of life or relationship, testosterone is worth considering,” Lansen says. Still, response rates vary — only about 60 percent of women report improvement, according to Davis.
Desire, however, is a multifaceted issue influenced by mental health, stress, relationships, and medications. For some women, reduced libido is not distressing and doesn’t require treatment. “It’s a very personal experience,” adds Lansen.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend testosterone for low libido in premenopausal women.
What Testosterone Can’t Do — At Least, Not Yet
Online platforms are filled with claims that testosterone boosts energy, enhances focus, strengthens bones, and reverses aging. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains weak or inconclusive.
“There are people being told they’ll feel younger, more vital, and more energetic,” Davis says. “But we don’t have enough data to support that.”
Some small studies suggest minor mood improvements, but these results are often comparable to placebo effects. Research has also found no direct link between low blood testosterone levels and cognitive decline in women.
The hormone’s role in bone density is another area of interest, especially since bone loss accelerates after menopause. Some preliminary studies indicate a correlation between healthy testosterone levels and bone strength, but this does not necessarily translate into benefits from testosterone therapy. Davis is currently leading a study to evaluate its effect on bone mineral density, with results expected in 2026.
“Advertising testosterone as a universal fix is premature and misleading,” Lansen warns. “We simply don’t know the full story yet.”
The Uncertain Landscape of Testosterone Treatment
Even where testosterone shows promise, the path to safe and effective therapy is far from clear. A major challenge is the lack of standardized, female-specific formulations and dosing guidelines.
While Australia has approved a testosterone product designed for women, the United States still lacks any FDA-approved female formulation. Physicians prescribing it must do so off-label, usually by adapting a fraction of a male dosage.
“We estimate about one-tenth of a male dose, since men naturally have 10 to 20 times more testosterone than women,” says Lansen. “But this is educated guesswork.”
Improper dosing can lead to side effects such as acne, oily skin, increased body hair, or scalp hair thinning. “I’ve seen women seriously affected by overly high doses,” Davis notes.
Testing adds further complexity. In men, testosterone deficiency can be diagnosed through blood levels. In women, there is no defined ‘normal’ range — testosterone levels fluctuate and do not reliably predict symptoms. “Some women with low blood levels have no issues, while others with normal levels may experience low libido,” Davis explains.
Without FDA regulation, treatment quality varies widely. Experts say topical gels and patches appear safest, whereas oral and injectable forms pose greater risks, including potential cardiovascular effects.
How to Pursue Testosterone Therapy Safely
Experts emphasize that self-prescribing testosterone or seeking treatment through unverified online services can be risky. “It’s essential to work with a qualified clinician who can monitor your progress,” says Lansen.
Testosterone is not the only path toward improving sexual health or managing menopause symptoms. Other options include estrogen therapy, stress management, lifestyle changes, and non-hormonal medications.
“There are multiple ways to enhance well-being during menopause,” Lansen says. “It’s encouraging that more people are talking about these issues — but we need science, not social media, to guide the conversation.”
Related topics
