Archive · 31 Oct 2025
More Women Using Testosterone Amidst Limited Research and Unregulated Dosing
Some women are taking a hormone called testosterone to help with things like feeling more interested in sex, having more energy, and feeling happier.
This hormone is something women's bodies naturally make, but they make less of it as they get older, especially when they are going through menopause.
Doctors know that testosterone can help with low sex drive in older women, but there isn't much research on using it for other problems.
Because there aren't many special testosterone medicines made just for women, some women are using doses that might be too high.
They might use medicine meant for men and guess the amount, or get special creams made at pharmacies that aren't checked by the government.
Taking too much testosterone can cause some side effects like hair loss or voice changes, which might not go away.
While some studies show it helps with sexual desire, more research is needed to be sure about other benefits.
The government hasn't approved any testosterone medicine for women in the U.S., though other countries are working on it.
An increasing number of women, particularly those in perimenopause and menopause, are using testosterone therapy.
Women are often taking higher doses than recommended due to a lack of standardized, female-specific products.
The only evidence-based use for testosterone in women is treating low libido post-menopause.
There is limited research on the long-term effects and benefits of testosterone therapy for women beyond libido.
Potential side effects of high doses include hair loss, voice deepening, and enlarged clitoris, some of which may be irreversible.
- Who
- Perimenopausal and menopausal women
- What
- Increasingly using testosterone therapy, often at higher-than-recommended doses due to lack of standardized female-specific products and limited research.
- When
- Currently, particularly in perimenopausal and menopausal stages of life.
- Where
- Primarily in the U.S., with limited availability of regulated products.
- Why
- To improve libido, energy, and mood, though research on benefits beyond libido is limited and dosing is largely unregulated.
Concerns and Caution
Reported Benefits and Exploration
Dosing and Regulation
Concerns and Caution
Many women are taking doses higher than medically recommended due to the lack of standardized, FDA-approved female-specific products, increasing the risk of side effects.
Reported Benefits and Exploration
Women are experimenting with and using available products, including compounded medications, to address perceived deficiencies and improve well-being.
Research and Evidence
Concerns and Caution
There is insufficient scientific research and long-term data to support the use of testosterone for benefits beyond treating low libido in post-menopausal women.
Reported Benefits and Exploration
Women are reporting perceived benefits such as increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced libido, driving demand for the therapy.
Product Availability
Concerns and Caution
In the U.S., no testosterone products are FDA-approved for women, limiting safe and regulated options and pushing women to less traditional avenues.
Reported Benefits and Exploration
Despite regulatory hurdles, women are seeking testosterone therapy through various non-traditional sources like wellness centers and compounding pharmacies.
- Primary Hormone Association
- Testosterone is largely associated with men's health.
- Testosterone's Role in Women
- Regulates sex drive, supports bone/muscle health, contributes to mood and energy.
- Production Decline
- Production halves by age 60 from its peak in late teens/early 20s.
- Evidence-Based Use
- Only approved use in women is for treating low libido after menopause.
- FDA Approval Status
- No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women.
- Potential Side Effects
- Hair loss, voice deepening, facial hair growth, clitoral enlargement.
- Approved Product Example
- Australia has a government-approved testosterone product for women.