Why Testosterone Matters for Women

Testosterone is commonly associated with male bodybuilding and virility. However, it is also an important hormone for women as it is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands and is used in the body for various physiological functions in addition to sex drive and sexual function.

Testosterone levels decrease throughout a woman’s life, eventually falling to as little as 25% of their peak by the time they reach menopause. Peak levels are typically reached in the 20’s. Such a decrease in testosterone levels has a significant impact on mood, energy, mental clarity, physical health, and sexual well-being.

If you are postmenopausal or perimenopausal, low libido, energy, and mental fog are common, and testosterone can offer significant relief in these areas, even when combined with hormone replacement therapy.

Supported by Evidence: What NICE & British Menopause Society (BMS) Say:

The British Menopause Society (BMS) and the NICE menopause guidelines (NG23) now say that testosterone may be considered following a trial of traditional HRT in women who have persistent symptoms like low libido or chronic fatigue that have not responded to other treatments.

When to Consider Treatment

Women with detectable low hormone levels and corresponding deficiency symptoms are usually investigated for testosterone therapy. Testosterone is not prescribed to people with normal testosterone levels.

Treatment is most commonly considered for menopausal and postmenopausal women who present with specific symptoms that are not improving with traditional treatments.

Treatment for Low Libido
Testosterone is prescribed to women who have hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and other forms of treatment have failed to help.

Support for Mood and Energy
Maybe beneficial for treating mood swings and chronic fatigue associated with low testosterone levels.

Safety and Effectiveness
Testosterone therapy should always be started under clinical supervision and be closely monitored for effectiveness and safety.

The Benefits of Testosterone on the Female Body

When prescribed appropriately, testosterone replacement therapy can offer significant improvements in the quality of life for women and their overall health:

Sexual Health & Libido

• Enhances sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm.
• Improves urogenital health and reduces vaginal dryness, irritation, and urinary symptoms.
• Helps rekindle intimacy and satisfaction in relationships.

Brain Function & Mood

• Supports concentration, verbal learning, and spatial memory
• Boosts mental energy, motivation, and psychological well-being
• Enhances sleep quality and may reduce symptoms of brain fog and anxiety
• Promotes brain oxygenation and nerve function, possibly offering neuroprotective effects.

Musculoskeletal & Metabolic Support

• Improves muscle mass and strength
• Maintains healthy metabolism (blood pressure, glucose and lipids)
• Increases bone mineral density, supporting long-term bone health

Cardiovascular & Circulatory Health

• Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
• Enhances cardiac output and blood vessel function.
• Supports red blood cell production.

Bladder & Vaginal Health

• Improves bladder function, reducing infections and urgency
• Keeps vaginal/vulval tissues healthy and lubricated.

Eye Health

• Enhances meibomian gland function, reducing dry eyes

Eligibility, Monitoring, and Safety

You may be a candidate if you are:

• On HRT and still struggling with low libido, fatigue, brain fog, or emotional flatness
• Postmenopausal and not getting relief with conventional therapies
• Struggling with menopausal weight gain, low drive, or loss of focus

Contraindications

Not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive or have certain conditions, including hormone-sensitive cancers, liver disease, or untreated cardiovascular issues.

Essential Monitoring

Treatment requires comprehensive medical oversight with regular assessments including:

• Baseline and periodic hormone level testing
• Liver function monitoring
• Lipid profile evaluation
• Regular assessment of androgenic side effects
• Ongoing symptom evaluation

While short-term studies show no increased risk of serious conditions, long-term safety data remains limited.

Common and Rare Side Effects

Most side effects are dose-dependent and can often be managed by adjusting treatment levels. Understanding potential effects helps women make informed decisions about therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Acne and oily skin
• Mild facial hair growth
• Body hair increase
• Mild scalp hair thinning

These effects typically respond to dose adjustments and usually appear within the first few months of treatment.

Less Common Effects

• Voice deepening (may be irreversible)
• Clitoral enlargement
• Fluid retention
• Weight fluctuations

These effects are more likely with higher doses or longer treatment durations.

Potential Serious Risks

While uncommon, testosterone therapy can involve significant health concerns that require careful monitoring:

Cardiovascular Concerns: Rare instances of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots have been reported, particularly in those with existing risk factors.

Liver Complications: Liver function abnormalities may occur and require regular monitoring throughout treatment.

Management Approach

Most androgenic (masculinising) effects are dose-dependent and can be managed through careful dosing and regular monitoring. Many side effects are reversible if treatment is discontinued.

Next Steps for Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone therapy is most effective and safest when guided by clinical expertise and up-to-date hormone testing. Here’s how to begin:

Do You Have Recent Testosterone Blood Test Results?

Yes, I’ve had a testosterone test in the last 3 months

1. Email your results to: info@menoclinic.uk
2. Then book a consultation with one of our menopause specialists to discuss treatment options.

No, I haven’t had a recent blood test

1. Don’t worry,  we can arrange everything for you.
2. Book a blood test and consultation to assess your testosterone levels and overall hormonal health.

What’s Included in Your Consultation:

• Review of hormone levels (testosterone, oestrogen, SHBG, etc.)
• Assessment of symptoms and treatment goals
• Personalised HRT and testosterone recommendations
• Safe prescription options with ongoing support

Testosterone Products

Available Testosterone Products for Women

All testosterone products for women are available by prescription only. It is a controlled medication in the UK and must be prescribed by a verified prescriber with bloodwork and ongoing support. Dosages are typically much lower than those used for men.