Hormones · Women's health
Testosterone therapy for women: what the evidence says
Women make testosterone, and by 40 most women have lost half of what they started with. The evidence base for testosterone therapy in women is strongest for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) after menopause, but many women also report improvements in energy, mood, and muscle. Done right, it's safe. Done wrong, it's just expensive.
What testosterone does in women
- Supports libido, arousal, and orgasm
- Maintains lean muscle mass and bone density
- Contributes to mood, motivation, and cognitive drive
- Modulates energy and stamina
Delivery methods, ranked
- Compounded testosterone cream (best control, easy to titrate)
- Testosterone gel (male product, off-label at 1/10th dose)
- Pellets — often over-dose women; not our first choice
- Injections — rarely appropriate for women
Monitoring
Total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG at baseline, 3 months, and annually. Symptom review at every visit. Watch for acne and mild hirsutism as early signals of over-dosing.
Frequently asked questions
Is testosterone approved for women?
Not by the FDA for any indication. But international guidelines (Global Consensus 2019) endorse it for postmenopausal HSDD at physiologic doses. Compounded formulations are standard.
What is a physiologic dose?
Typically 1/10th the male dose. For cream: 0.5–1 mg/day. For pellets: 25–75mg (careful — pellets often over-dose).
Will testosterone give me a beard?
At physiologic doses, virilizing side effects (voice change, acne, unwanted hair) are rare. Excess dosing (especially pellets) is the main risk.
How do I know if my testosterone is low?
Total and free testosterone plus SHBG. Symptoms — not lab values alone — drive treatment decisions.
Testosterone or HRT first?
Estradiol and progesterone first. Add testosterone if libido, energy, or motivation remain flat after 3 months on optimized HRT.
Considering a physician-supervised longevity protocol? Kindr Health evaluates peptide therapy as part of personalized perimenopause and menopause care.
Request your Longevity Consult →Related: FDA peptide review July 2026 briefing · Peptide therapy hub · Longevity service
Medically reviewed by Kindr Health Clinical Team · Last reviewed 2026-06-19. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products.