09/06/2026
Testosterone Therapy for Women
When we think about women's hormones, estrogen and progesterone usually get all the attention. But there's another important hormone that's often overlooked: testosterone.
Despite the common misconception, testosterone isn't just a male hormone. Women naturally produce it in the ovaries and adrenal glands, where it plays a role in sexual desire, energy, mood, muscle mass, bone health, and overall well-being.
Testosterone levels gradually decline with age, beginning around our mid-30s. By menopause, many women have significantly lower levels than they did in early adulthood. Some notice very little difference, while others describe feeling like they've "lost their spark." They may experience lower libido, less energy, decreased motivation, difficulty building muscle, or simply not feeling like themselves anymore.
For some postmenopausal women with persistent low libido that causes distress, testosterone therapy can be an effective treatment. Multiple international medical societies support the use of transdermal testosterone for carefully selected women after menopause, and studies have shown improvements in sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that testosterone will make women look masculine. At the low doses used for women, significant side effects are uncommon. Some women may develop mild acne or increased hair growth, which often improves with dose adjustment. The goal is not to achieve male testosterone levels, but to restore levels to the normal physiologic range for women.
One challenge is that there is currently no FDA-approved testosterone product specifically for women in the United States. Because of this, many specialists prescribe carefully adjusted doses of existing testosterone gels or creams, or use reputable compounding pharmacies. Treatment should always be individualized, with baseline blood work and periodic monitoring to ensure safe dosing.
Testosterone isn't a fountain of youth, and it isn't the answer for every woman with fatigue or low desire. But for the right patient, it can be a valuable part of treatment. If you've noticed a persistent decline in your libido or feel like you've lost a part of yourself, it's worth having the conversation with a clinician who is experienced in women's sexual health. You shouldn't have to accept feeling "less than yourself" simply because you're getting older.
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Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya
