Testosterone therapy for menopausal women

Testosterone therapy may be considered cautiously for some menopausal women, but the evidence is limited and it is not a standard treatment. If levels are markedly low and a woman has low libido or difficulty gaining muscle, clinicians in the discussion described considering topical testosterone to bring levels into the normal female range—not above it. 1 2

• Difficulty building muscle: One clinician described using testosterone off-label for women with muscle loss or related concerns, while noting the evidence is not definitive. 3
• Reduced libido: Testosterone was discussed as an off-label option for low sexual desire in postmenopausal women, after considering other possible causes. 4
• Dose and risks: Topical treatment aims to keep levels physiologically normal. Higher-than-normal levels can bring unwanted effects; discussed risks include voice deepening, unwanted hair growth, acne, and hair loss. 5 6