Benefits of Testosterone for Women: What You Need to Know

Writer: Amy Harris

When people think of testosterone, they often associate it with men. But testosterone is also an essential hormone for women. Though women produce it in smaller amounts (about 10 to 20 times less), testosterone is still important for women’s libido, bone health, muscle mass, and mood.^[1]

The internet and social media feeds are filled with news of hormone therapy for midlife women. In order to make informed decisions about their health, women are wondering, What are the benefits of testosterone for women?

In this article, we’ll break down what the science says about testosterone’s role in the female body, who might benefit from testosterone therapy, and what to consider before starting treatment.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is an androgen. Androgens are a type of hormone produced by both men and women. In women, the ovaries and tiny bean-shaped glands above the kidneys, called the adrenal glands, make testosterone. While some people incorrectly think of testosterone or T as only a male hormone, women actually produce three times as much testosterone as estrogen during and after menopause.

Menopause happens when a woman goes a full year (365 days) without having a period. The time before menopause is called perimenopause. Perimenopause is a time with unpredictable and extreme shifts in the hormones produced by the ovaries—estrogen, progesterone, and to a lesser degree, testosterone. Perimenopause can last 4 to 10 years.

It is normal that testosterone levels fall gradually in most women, beginning at age 30.^[2] Testosterone can drop steeply to very low levels in women who go through menopause early (before age 40) or in women who have their ovaries surgically removed.^[1] This quick change can cause more severe symptoms.

Why Do Women Need Testosterone?

From the experience of women who have had their ovaries removed and those going through early menopause, we have learned more about testosterone’s role in women’s health and how replacing testosterone helps them feel more like themselves. Researchers now recognize that changes in testosterone levels can influence women’s:

• Libido, sexual arousal, and ability to orgasm^[3,4]
• Bone strength and prevention of bone thinning (osteoporosis)^[5,6]
• Muscle strength and tone^[1]
• Mood and cognitive health^[7-9]
• Energy and stamina^[1,4,8]

Key Benefits of Testosterone for Women

Improved Sexual Function and Libido

The most well-documented benefit of testosterone therapy for women is its treatment of a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Healthcare providers diagnose HSDD in women who report a lack of sexual desire that causes them distress. About 1 in every woman aged 45 to 64 in the U.S. has HSDD.^[10]

Multiple clinical trials and analyses show that testosterone therapy can improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction in postmenopausal women, particularly those not responding to estrogen therapy.^[3-4,10-11]

Energy and Mood Support

Many women report feeling an energy boost, improved motivation, and better focus with testosterone replacement therapy.^[1] Some small studies suggest that testosterone may improve well-being and reduce fatigue, particularly in women with low testosterone levels before treatment.^[11]

Increased Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone helps support muscle size and strength in both men and women. As we age, testosterone levels naturally fall, leading to muscle loss (sarcopenia). Testosterone therapy has been shown to preserve or slightly increase muscle strength and lean body mass, though results vary depending on dose and individual factors.^[5]

Bone Strength and Osteoporosis Prevention

While not formally approved to treat osteoporosis, research suggests testosterone may improve bone density. Both estrogen and testosterone help protect bone mineral density (BMD), which is especially important after menopause.^[6]

Which Women Might Benefit From Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy is not for everyone, but some women may benefit, including:

• Peri- and postmenopausal women with HSDD^[9-11]
• Women with fatigue, decreased muscle tone, or mood changes not improved by estrogen or antidepressants^[4,8]
• Women with surgical menopause or ovarian failure after chemotherapy or radiation^[1]
• Women experiencing premature or early menopause^[12]

What Does Testosterone Therapy Involve?

Before starting, talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms, medical history, and medications. Baseline blood tests are recommended to ensure safety and proper dosing.^[1]

Forms of Testosterone Therapy

• Transdermal gels or creams (most common)
• Patches, injections, or implants (pellets)
• Compounded formulations prescribed in gel, cream, patch, or pellet form

The Menopause Society recommends off-label prescribing of low-dose male formulations when female-specific options are unavailable.^[10] Compounded products are not recommended due to limited testing.^[10]

Medical Guidelines for Women Taking Testosterone

The Global Consensus Position Statement on Testosterone Therapy for Women supports testosterone use for postmenopausal women with HSDD.^[7] Guidelines recommend:

• Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration
• Monitoring for efficacy and side effects
• Trying estrogen/progesterone first before adding testosterone

Monitoring and Safety

Testosterone levels should be checked every 3–6 weeks after starting therapy, then every 6 months once stabilized.^[10] Most women notice benefits within 4–8 weeks, with maximum effects around 12 weeks.

Potential Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy in Women

• Acne or oily skin
• Unwanted hair growth
• Voice deepening (can be permanent)
• Male-pattern baldness
• Clitoral enlargement (can be permanent)

Short-term data (3–5 years) shows no increased risk of cardiovascular events or cancer, but long-term effects remain unknown.^[8]

Common Myths and Misconceptions

“Testosterone therapy will make me masculine.”
At correct doses, testosterone does not cause masculinizing side effects. Regular monitoring reduces this risk.

“Only men need testosterone.”
Women produce and need testosterone for sexual health, mood, and muscle strength.

“There’s no scientific support for testosterone use in women.”
Decades of research support testosterone’s benefits for menopausal women’s libido and well-being.^[14]

FAQs: Common Questions About Testosterone for Women

What are the benefits of testosterone therapy for women? Testosterone may improve libido, energy, muscle mass, and bone density in menopausal women.^[8,10]

Is testosterone safe for women? Yes, when medically supervised and kept within normal female ranges, transdermal testosterone is considered safe.^[8]

Are there any FDA-approved testosterone therapies for women? No, but low-dose off-label male formulations are commonly prescribed.^[8]

Can testosterone therapy help with vaginal dryness or sexual pain? Possibly. It may improve libido and arousal, enhancing lubrication and comfort. Combine with topical estrogen and pelvic floor therapy for best results.

How Everlywell Can Help You Feel Better

If you’re curious about your hormone levels or wondering whether testosterone plays a role in your symptoms, Everlywell offers an at-home Testosterone Test.

This simple, physician-reviewed test lets you check your testosterone levels from home and discuss results with a licensed healthcare provider via virtual visit.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Low testosterone in women. Last reviewed April 12, 2023.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Why are testosterone levels decreasing? Published September 20, 2022.
3. Islam RM, Bell RJ, Green S, Page MJ, Davis SR. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(10):754–766.
4. Davis SR, Moreau M, Kroll R, et al. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(19):2005–2017.
5. Davis SR, Wahlin-Jacobsen S. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015;3(12):980–992.
6. Watts NB, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 1995;85(4):529–537.
7. Zito S, Nosari G, Pigoni A, Moltrasio C, Delvecchio G. J Affect Disord. 2023;330:48–56.
8. Scott A, Newson L. Br J Gen Pract. 2020;70(693):203–204.
9. Davis SR, Baber R, Panay N, et al. Climacteric. 2019;22(5):429–434.
10. Parish SJ, Kling JM. NAMS Practice Pearl. 2023.
11. Panay N, Al-Azzawi F, Bouchard C, et al. Climacteric. 2010;13(2):121–131.
12. Parish SJ, Simon JA, Davis SR, et al. J Womens Health. 2021;30(4):474–491.
13. North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2005;12(5):496–649.
14. The ObG Project. Global consensus guidelines on the use of testosterone in women. 2019.