Why Women Need Testosterone Too
When most people think of testosterone, they picture muscle-bound men in the gym. But women make, and need, testosterone, too. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone is a vital part of a woman’s hormonal orchestra. It contributes to:
- Lean muscle and bone strength
- Energy and motivation
- Mood stability and cognitive clarity
- Sexual desire and response
Testosterone peaks in our 20s and gradually declines with age, dropping sharply after menopause or removal of the ovaries. Low testosterone can manifest as fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, reduced resilience, or that ‘flat’ feeling so many midlife women describe.
Why the FDA Hasn’t Approved Testosterone for Women (Yet)
Here’s the paradox: while testosterone therapy is routinely prescribed to men, no testosterone product has ever been FDA-approved for women in the U.S. That’s not because research shows it’s unsafe, it’s because most large-scale pharmaceutical studies have historically excluded women. Women’s sexual health simply wasn’t prioritized in drug development for decades. The FDA requires a company to fund and complete large, expensive clinical trials to approve a medication for a new indication. Because testosterone for women doesn’t fit into a big profit model, no pharmaceutical company has yet taken that on.
Dr. Kelly Casperson: Leading the Charge
Dr. Kelly Casperson, a urologist and nationally recognized educator, has become one of the most outspoken advocates for closing this gender gap. Through her podcast ‘You Are Not Broken’ and her medical advocacy work, she explains that testosterone therapy for women isn’t fringe or ‘biohacking’, it’s backed by research and used safely around the world.
It’s Not Just About Libido (But That’s Huge)
Low testosterone is a common driver of low libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty achieving orgasm in midlife. But the benefits extend far beyond the bedroom.
- Improved lean muscle mass and strength
- Better bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Enhanced energy, motivation, and confidence
- Improved cognitive focus and mood
- Restored sexual function and desire
It’s Not Just About Libido (But That’s Huge)
Low testosterone is a common driver of low libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty achieving orgasm in midlife. But the benefits extend far beyond the bedroom.
Common Myths About Testosterone in Women
🚫 Myth #1: Testosterone will make me grow facial hair or become ‘manly.’
✅Fact: When prescribed in appropriate female doses, testosterone does not cause masculinization. Side effects like excess hair or acne are dose-related and reversible when dosing is adjusted.
🚫 Myth #2: Testosterone is only for libido.
✅Fact: Libido is one piece of the puzzle. Testosterone supports brain, muscle, bone, and metabolic health.
🚫 Myth #3: There’s no research to support its use.
✅ Fact: Dozens of peer-reviewed studies and international consensus statements support testosterone therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and symptoms of deficiency.
🚫 Myth #4: All hormone therapy is the same.
✅ Fact: Estrogen and testosterone have distinct but complementary effects. Balancing both can improve overall quality of life.
Pros, Cons, and Safety Considerations
✅Pros:
- Increased energy, mood, and motivation
- Improved muscle and bone density
- Enhanced sexual function
- Greater confidence and vitality
❌ Cons / Cautions:
- Mild acne or hair growth (dose-related)
- Possible voice changes at excessive doses
- May lower HDL cholesterol if over-replaced
- Requires proper monitoring (labs and symptoms)
The goal is always to restore testosterone to normal female physiologic levels—not to mimic male dosing.
Ways Testosterone Can Be Prescribed
1. Topical Creams or Gels – Applied daily to skin; allows fine-tuned dosing.
2. Compounded Creams – Created by specialty pharmacies when no commercial option is available.
3. Pellets (Implants) – Small pellets placed under the skin, lasting 3–4 months; convenient but less adjustable. At Aspect Wellness, we do not offer pellet therapy because it can lead to supraphysiologic levels and women often experience more side effects since dosing only occurs every three months.
4. Injections – Typically every 1–2 weeks; may cause peaks and valleys in symptoms.
5. Oral formulations – Generally avoided due to liver metabolism and inconsistent blood levels.
The best delivery method depends on your symptoms, preferences, and ability to monitor dosing with a knowledgeable clinician.
Quality of Life: What Women Report
Women who start testosterone therapy under proper supervision often describe a profound shift:
- ‘I feel like myself again.’
- ‘I finally have energy and motivation.’
- ‘I didn’t realize how flat I had become until I felt better.’
The Future: Closing the Gender Gap in Hormone Health
The international medical community is pushing for change. The Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women (2019) concluded that testosterone is both effective and safe when prescribed in physiologic doses. Experts like Dr. Kelly Casperson and The Menopause Society continue to advocate for FDA-approved formulations specifically for women, to ensure quality, dosing accuracy, and insurance coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Testosterone is vital for muscle, bone, brain, and sexual health in women.
- The FDA has not yet approved a women-specific formulation, but global data supports its use.
- When dosed appropriately, it’s safe and effective.
- Dr. Kelly Casperson and other leaders are challenging outdated views and demanding change.
- You deserve to understand your options, and to feel your best at every age.
Interested in Learning More?
At Aspect Wellness, we take an evidence-based, individualized approach to hormone health, combining lab data, symptom tracking, and careful dosing to optimize energy, mood, muscle, and intimacy. Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive review of your hormones and overall wellness plan.
