Testosterone Use in Women: What You Need to Know
Hormones are a hot topic right now—especially on social media, where conversations about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often dominate. Many women are curious about whether adding testosterone to their hormone regimen can help them feel stronger, more energetic, and more like themselves.
Let’s break it down, understand the science, and discuss what’s safe and effective.
Why Testosterone Matters for Women
When most people think of testosterone, they think it’s a “male hormone.” But the truth is, testosterone is critical for women too.
It plays a key role in:
Maintaining muscle mass and strength
Supporting bone density
Promoting libido and sexual satisfaction
Contributing to mood, energy, and cognitive function
Levels naturally decline with age, and some women notice fatigue, low libido, or reduced motivation as a result.
Testosterone Use in Women: Off-Label Considerations
Testosterone therapy for women is considered “off-label” in most countries, meaning the FDA does not officially approve it for general use in women. That doesn’t mean it can’t be helpful—but it does require careful medical supervision.
Some points to consider:
Individualized dosing is essential: Women require significantly lower doses than men, and the goal is to restore healthy levels, not achieve “male ranges.”
Form matters: Testosterone can be administered via various forms, including creams, gels, patches, and injections. Each method has pros and cons, and absorption can vary.
Monitoring is key: Bloodwork and symptom tracking help ensure effectiveness while minimizing side effects, such as acne, hair growth, or changes in voice.
Combined therapy: Some women benefit from a balanced approach that includes estrogen, progesterone, and carefully monitored testosterone—addressing multiple aspects of hormone health.
Potential Benefits
Emerging research and clinical experience suggest that some women may see improvements in:
Libido and sexual satisfaction
Energy levels and motivation
Muscle tone and strength
Mood stability and overall well-being
It’s important to note that results may vary depending on age, baseline hormone levels, and overall health.
Risks and Precautions
While testosterone therapy can be transformative for some women, it’s not without potential risks:
Changes in hair growth or acne
Deepening of the voice (rare but possible with higher doses)
Liver or cardiovascular concerns with specific formulations (primarily oral forms)
Hormone-sensitive conditions should always be evaluated before starting therapy
Because of these considerations, testosterone therapy should never be started without a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Dr. Dawson’s Take
Testosterone therapy for women can be a powerful tool when used safely and thoughtfully.
The key is individualized care, which involves balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, monitoring them carefully, and tailoring treatment to your unique symptoms and health goals.
If you’ve been feeling low energy, decreased motivation, or changes in libido, and think hormones may be a factor, booking a consultation is the best next step.
Together, we can review your lab results, discuss potential therapies, and develop a personalized plan to help you regain your sense of well-being.