Testosterone Therapy for Women, Carefully Considered
For some women, testosterone may have a focused role in sexual health care. The conversation deserves nuance. We look at desire, menopause status, medications, symptoms, health history, and other possible contributors before discussing whether treatment belongs in the plan.
When Testosterone May Be Discussed
Current clinical guidance supports considering systemic testosterone for selected postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder after a formal assessment. This means persistent low sexual desire that causes personal distress and is not better explained by another medical, medication-related, psychological, or relationship factor.
There is not enough evidence to promote testosterone for women as a general solution for low energy, mood, cognition, muscle gain, weight loss, or overall well-being.
Complete Sexual Health Evaluation
Your evaluation considers your experience of:
- Desire and whether the change causes distress
- Menopause status and other hormone-related symptoms
- Medications and health conditions that may affect sexual function
- Pain, dryness, arousal, orgasm, sleep, stress, mood, and relationship context
- Relevant laboratory testing and its limits
- Other treatment options or referrals
Product and Dose Require Care
There is currently no testosterone product approved by the FDA specifically for women in the United States. When off-label treatment is considered, the reason, formulation, dose, expected goal, possible side effects, and monitoring plan should be clear before treatment begins.
Treatment should aim to keep levels within the expected range for women. More is not better.
Follow-Up and Stopping Rules
Follow-up
Reviews benefit, side effects, laboratory findings, and whether the original goal is being met. Treatment should be reconsidered if there is no meaningful improvement or if the risk profile changes.
Provider Identity
Melissa Markel, FNP-C, ABAAHP, FAAMFM
Florida license: APRN11019655
Melissa is a board certified functional medicine nurse practitioner. She specializes in male and female hormone replacement, medical weight optimization, and longevity medicine.
Telehealth Designed Around Your Life in Miami, Florida
Umber Health was designed for adults who value discretion, time, and close attention. Private virtual visits bring that experience to eligible adults in Miami and throughout Florida. Umber Health does not operate a walk-in or patient-facing physical clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Can testosterone be used for energy or muscle gain in women?
Current evidence does not support promoting testosterone for women as a general treatment for energy, mood, cognition, muscle gain, weight loss, or aging.
Do women need a low testosterone result before treatment?
A blood result alone does not diagnose low sexual desire or determine treatment. The evaluation focuses on symptoms, distress, possible causes, menopause status, and overall health.
Is testosterone therapy approved for women?
There is no testosterone product approved by the FDA specifically for women in the United States. Any off-label use requires a careful clinical discussion and monitoring.
Related Services
Testosterone Therapy for Man
Restore energy, strength, libido, and mental clarity with clinically guided TRT.
Perimenopause Care
Get a personalized evaluation and a plan built around the symptoms that matter to you.
Female Hormone Optimization
Let's find out what is changing and what may help.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Find out what may fit your symptoms and history
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Medical Disclaimer
Information entered on this page is not secure. Submitting a request on this page does not establish a provider patient relationship. Acceptance is an independent decision and is not made at the time of submission. If this is an emergency, please contact 911.