Why Some Women Use Testosterone
Understanding Testosterone
Testosterone is often labeled the “male” hormone, but women naturally produce it, too—albeit in smaller amounts.¹ It originates in the ovaries and adrenal glands, influencing:
Sexual Desire and Arousal: Balanced testosterone helps support a healthy libido and sexual responsiveness.¹
Energy and Mood: Fluctuations in testosterone can affect overall vitality and emotional well-being.²
Bone and Muscle Health: Testosterone is important for preserving bone density and maintaining muscle mass in both sexes.³
Why It’s Linked More Often with Men
Because men generate significantly higher levels of testosterone, the hormone is classically associated with “masculine” traits like facial hair, deeper voices, and greater muscle mass. This narrow perspective often overlooks testosterone’s critical role in women’s health.¹
Hypoactive Sexual Desire in Women
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) involves a persistently low sex drive that causes personal distress or relationship challenges.²,⁴ Research suggests that insufficient or imbalanced testosterone can be a contributing factor. For some women, addressing testosterone levels could:
Boost Libido: Optimizing testosterone may help reignite sexual desire.¹
Improve Mood & Well-Being: Hormone balance often enhances emotional resilience.²
Increase Energy: Alleviating hormonal deficiencies can combat fatigue and support overall vitality.³
Testosterone Treatments for Women
While no testosterone product is currently FDA-approved for HSDD in women, off-label use is fairly common.⁵ Here’s a closer look at some of the options:
Compounded Topical Creams
Often recommended for daily use, custom-formulated, and typically applied to the vulva or vagina.
Patches and Gels
Originally designed for men, but sometimes used in women at about one-tenth the men’s dose.
Injectables or Implantable Pellets
Though available, these forms often provide higher-than-natural (“superphysiologic”) levels of testosterone.¹
Drawback: Not generally recommended for routine use in women due to the potential for excessive hormone levels.
The FDA Approval Gap and Why It Matters
It can be frustrating to realize that, despite more than 30 approved testosterone products for men, not one has been officially approved for women.⁵ This is precisely why it’s crucial to partner with a healthcare provider who has expertise in women’s hormone health and can offer safe, off-label treatment options where appropriate.
Women should know that HSDD is a legitimate medical concern, not something to simply “push through.”² A thorough evaluation—including hormone testing, psychological assessments, and exploring complementary approaches like counseling with a sexual health expert—can lead to real improvements in sexual desire and overall well-being. The key is finding the right support and avoiding the dismissive advice that too many women have encountered.⁴
A Note from Verve Health
At Verve Health, our commitment is to serve as a trusted, comprehensive resource for women’s health—hormones included. If you suspect hormonal imbalances are affecting your life, we’re here to guide you through a thorough assessment and discuss any treatment options that may benefit you.
¹ The Endocrine Society. Androgen Therapy in Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (2014). Available at: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/99/10/3489/2530792
² International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). Position Statements & Resources. https://www.isswsh.org/resources
³ The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). 2019 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/professional/nams-2022-hormone-therapy-position-statement.pdf
⁴ Shifren JL, et al. Sexual Problems and Distress in United States Women: Prevalence and Correlates. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2008; 5(10): 2209-2218.
⁵ U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Drug Approvals. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases
