Testosterone Therapy for Women

“Research shows that testosterone therapy may
be a suitable treatment for postmenopausal women who
are experiencing a loss of sexual desire that is causing…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Testosterone Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Androgen
  • Male Androgen Hormone
  • Male Hormone
  • Male Sex Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Testosterone Therapy/Treatment

Testosterone

What is testosterone?

DotS the definition of testosterone may vary. The Australian Menopause Society’s (AMS) definition is:

“Testosterone is the male sex hormone found in smaller amounts in women. In women, increased levels of testosterone can lead to acne and hirsutism. Low levels of testosterone in women may contribute to loss of libido”.2

Female Hormone

Is testosterone a female hormone?

On page one in Testosterone Replacement In Menopause: Is Testosterone A Female Hormone? the British Menopause Society (BMS) elaborate on:

“Yes – premenopausal women produce both testosterone and estrogen physiologically. Androgens, including testosterone, are essential for development and maintenance of female sexual anatomy and physiology, and modulation of sexual behaviour”.3

Women, Testosterone Levels and Age

In women, is there an association between testosterone levels and age?

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Testosterone levels fall as a woman ages, with levels approximately 25% less in her 40s compared to what she had in her 20s. The levels reach their lowest around early 60s then stabilise or slightly rise for the rest of a woman’s life”.4

Low Libido

In women, is testosterone recommended for low libido, low desire or low sex drive?

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the JH elaborate on:

Testosterone Therapy for Women“Low desire and low desire causing distress is very common especially for women around midlife. Some women seeking help from their doctors about their sexual function have low testosterone levels but the relationship between testosterone and libido is complex. Factors like age, mood, general wellbeing and sexual relationships need to be considered”.5

In Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Hormone Therapy the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

  • “Testosterone. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in female sexual function, even though testosterone occurs in much lower amounts in women. Testosterone isn’t approved by the FDA for sexual dysfunction in women, but sometimes it’s prescribed off-label to help lift a lagging libido. The use of testosterone in women is controversial. Taking it can cause acne, excess body hair, and mood or personality changes”.6

What is FDA?

FDA can be an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.

HSDD

In women, what is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)?

DotS the definition of HSDD may vary. In What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) In Women? What Causes It? the International Society for Sexual Medicine’s definition is:

“Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a troublesome condition in which women lose interest in sex. The Society for Women’s Health Research estimates that one in ten women have HSDD, making it one of the most common female sexual health complaints”.7

In Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis the Mayo Clinic explain:

“By definition, you may be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder if you frequently lack sexual thoughts or desire, and the absence of these feelings causes personal distress. Whether you fit this medical diagnosis or not, your doctor can look for reasons that your sex drive isn’t as high as you’d like and find ways to help”.8

Postmenopause + HSDD

For postmenopausal women experiencing HSDD, may testosterone therapy be a suitable treatment?

In Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy the JH note:

Testosterone Therapy for Women“Research shows that testosterone therapy may be a suitable treatment for postmenopausal women who are experiencing a loss of sexual desire that is causing them personal distress. This condition is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)”.9

On page one in Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? the British Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:

“The current recommended reason is for persistent low sex drive (Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, HSDD) in women after all other possible factors, including taking adequate estrogen, have been addressed. Even with this indication, it does not help everyone”.10

On page one in Testosterone and the Menopause: Testosterone Replacement In Women, published July 2022, the European Menopause and Andropause Society note:

“HSDD after the menopause is the only evidence-based indication for testosterone in women”.11

Australia, 19 June 2023

Presently, is Australia the only country in the world with an approved testosterone formulation specifically for women?

In Advancing Menopause Care In Australia: Barriers and Opportunities: The Role of Testosterone, published online 19 June 2023, the authors elaborate on:

“Presently, Australia is the only country in the world with an approved testosterone formulation specifically for women. Its prescribing indication is in line with the evidence of efficacy of transdermal testosterone for the treatment of post‐menopausal women with low sexual desire associated with personal distress (hypoactive sexual desire disorder). Important caveats on the evidence are that…”.12

BMS Statement on Testosterone, 02 March 2023

What does the BMS Statement on Testosterone, 02 March 2023, elaborate on for the treatment of low libido?

The BMS Statement on Testosterone elaborates on:

“The current controversy surrounding testosterone treatment is causing confusion amongst women and healthcare professionals alike. British Menopause Society guidance follows NICE NG23 which recommends that testosterone is used for low libido after other options have been exhausted.

Levels of testosterone in women decline between the ages of 20 and 40. By menopause the levels have plateaued out and are stable. Testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries in peri and post-menopausal women. Testosterone is not the third component of HRT and promoting misinformation is creating unrealistic expectations for women, some of whom have challenging social circumstances. Managing women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, necessitates a biopsychosocial approach. It is important to consider contributory factors which include vulvovaginal atrophy and relationship issues”.13

Testosterone Links

Where may I find Links related to testosterone?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Testosterone Links

Low Mood and Depression

Is there a role for testosterone therapy for low mood or depression?

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Testosterone Therapy the JH explain:

“Testosterone therapy is only recommended for women diagnosed with HSDD. There is no evidence to support using testosterone in premenopausal women for low libido or any other condition such as low mood or depression”.14

On page four in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

“There is lack of evidence to support testosterone supplementation for the purpose of prevention or improving cognitive function, musculoskeletal health, improving bone density or fracture prevention. Testosterone supplementations should therefore not be offered for these indications”.15

In Advancing Menopause Care In Australia: Barriers and Opportunities: The Role of Testosterone, published online 19 June 2023, the authors explain:

“Despite public opinion being expressed to the contrary, evidence from randomised, placebo‐controlled trials that testosterone will improve mood, wellbeing, musculoskeletal health or cognitive function remains lacking. Internationally, there is agreement that testosterone should not be prescribed for any symptoms, including low mood or depressive symptoms, or any condition other than hypoactive sexual desire disorder in post‐menopausal women without new evidence”.16

Health Care Provider

What if I am considering testosterone therapy?

If you are considering testosterone therapy, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Testosterone Therapy – How Is Testosterone Used? the JH note:

“If testosterone therapy is going to improve your libido, you will start to notice this after about four weeks. If there is no improvement after six months, you should stop testosterone treatment”.17

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Testosterone?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Testosterone?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Advancing Menopause Care In Australia: Barriers and Opportunities – The Role of Testosterone Treatment
  2. Association Between Testosterone and Cognitive Performance In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
  3. BMS Comment on Channel 4 Programme: Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause
  4. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  5. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  6. Causes of Low Libido In Postmenopausal Women [Video]
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  8. Don’t Believe the Hype. Menopausal Women Don’t All Need To Check – or Increase – Their Testosterone Levels
  9. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  10. Effects of Testosterone Therapy for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
  11. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  12. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  13. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  14. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
  15. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  16. International Consensus on Testosterone Treatment for Women
  17. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  18. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Women
  19. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  20. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  21. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  22. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  23. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  24. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  25. Libido
  26. Libido and Testosterone Therapy – Podcast
  27. Libido and Testosterone Therapy – Video
  28. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy
  29. Looking After Yourself: Managing Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy
  30. Low Sex Drive In Women
  31. Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment
  32. Low Testosterone Levels In Women Associated With Double the Risk of Cardiac Events
  33. Managing Your Symptoms
  34. Menopause
  35. Menopause
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause Management Options
  38. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Testosterone Therapy for Women
  39. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Testosterone
  40. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  41. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  42. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  43. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  44. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  45. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  46. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  47. Menopause and Sexuality
  48. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  49. NIHR Testosterone Trial [National Institute of Health Research, United Kingdom]
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  52. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  53. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  54. No Evidence Testosterone Helps Treat Pre-Menopausal Symptoms, An Expert Says
  55. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  56. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats#LetsDiscuss Libido and Desire
  57. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  58. Perimenopause
  59. Postmenopause
  60. Prescribing Testosterone and DHEA: The Role of Androgens In Women
  61. Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone for Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trial Data
  62. Sex & Sexual Health
  63. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  64. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause: Hormones and Sexual Function – Testosterone
  65. Sexual Health: In-Depth – Testosterone Therapy – Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
  66. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  67. Symptoms of Low Testosterone In Women (and Reasons Why It Might Be Low)
  68. Testosterone Improves Libido, Quality of Life In Women With Low Sexual Desire
  69. Testosterone May Significantly Improve Sexual Function and Sexual Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women
  70. Testosterone Replacement In Menopause
  71. Testosterone Therapy In Women: A Clinical Challenge
  72. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  73. Testosterone Therapy for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
  74. Testosterone Use for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Postmenopausal Women
  75. Testosterone and the Menopause
  76. Testosterone for Menopause: Why Women Face Difficulties Accessing Treatment
  77. Testosterone for Women
  78. The Association Between Testosterone and Depression In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
  79. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  80. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  81. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  82. Top Tips for Talking To Your Doctor
  83. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  84. Vaginal Dryness
  85. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  86. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  87. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  88. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  89. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  90. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  93. Webinars: Previous – Lessons From the Global Consensus on Testosterone for Women
  94. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  95. What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) In Women? What Causes It?
  96. What Side Effects May Occur When Women Take Testosterone?
  97. What’s New – The Use of Testosterone In Women [Video] [March 2021]
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. World Menopause Day 2019: Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women: A White Paper [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day 2019World Menopause Day 2019: Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 01 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 22 July 2022
  2. Glossary of Terms: Testosterone. Content Updated: February 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/381-glossary-of-terms Accessed: 22 July 2022
  3. Testosterone Replacement In Menopause: 2. What Is Its Role In Women? Publication Date: December 2022:1. British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/ Accessed: 22 July 2022
  4. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 01 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 22 July 2022
  5. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 01 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 22 July 2022
  6. Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Hormone Therapy. 24 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 Accessed: 22 July 2022
  7. What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) In Women? What Causes It? International Society for Sexual Medicine https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder-hsdd-in-women-what-causes-it? Accessed: 22 July 2022
  8. Low Sex Drive In Women: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis. 24 February 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561 Accessed: 22 July 2022
  9. Libido: Managing & Treating Low Libido – Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 01 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/libido Accessed: 22 July 2022
  10. Testosterone for Women: Why Use Testosterone? Publication Date: February 2022:1. British Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/testosterone-for-women/ Accessed: 22 July 2022
  11. Testosterone and the Menopause: Testosterone Replacement In Women. 2022:1. European Menopause and Andropause Society https://emas-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Testosterone-and-the-menopause.pdf Accessed: 22 July 2022
  12. Davis S. R., and Magraith, K. Advancing Menopause Care In Australia: Barriers and Opportunities: The Role of Testosterone. Published Online: 19 June 2023. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/218/11/advancing-menopause-care-australia-barriers-and-opportunities 22 July 2023
  13. BMS Statement on Testosterone. 02 March 2023. British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/2023/03/bms-statement-on-testosterone/ Accessed: 22 July 2023
  14. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Testosterone Therapy. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#sex-and-relationships Accessed: 22 July 2023
  15. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 22 July 2023
  16. Davis S. R., and Magraith, K. Advancing Menopause Care In Australia: Barriers and Opportunities: The Role of Testosterone. Published Online: 19 June 2023. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/218/11/advancing-menopause-care-australia-barriers-and-opportunities Accessed: 22 July 2023
  17. Looking After Yourself: Sex and Relationships – Managing Low Libido: What Can Affect Your Sex Life? Testosterone Therapy – How Is Testosterone Used? Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#sex-and-relationships Accessed: 22 July 2023
Topic Last Updated: 18 August 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 July 2023

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