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Frequently Asked Questions
Is testosterone therapy approved for women?
No FDA-approved testosterone product exists for women in the United States. The Global Consensus Position Statement (2019) endorses low-dose transdermal testosterone for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) when other causes have been excluded.
Off-label use of male transdermal formulations at approximately 1/10 the male dose is the most common approach.
What is the evidence for benefit?
Meta-analyses of randomized trials (Davis et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019) show consistent improvement in sexually satisfying events, sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pleasure in postmenopausal women treated with physiological testosterone doses. Benefits beyond sexual function are not supported by current evidence.
What are the main risks?
At physiological female doses, side effects are uncommon and typically limited to mild acne or increased facial hair. Supraphysiological dosing — common in compounded pellets — risks irreversible voice deepening, clitoral enlargement, alopecia, and adverse lipid changes.
The Global Consensus Position Statement specifically advises against compounded testosterone pellets and oral testosterone in women.
Is testosterone for women FDA-approved?
No. No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women in the US. All use is off-label and should follow physiological dosing per the Global Consensus Position Statement.
How is it dosed?
Most commonly via male transdermal gel at roughly 1/10 the male dose (≈300 mcg/day) or via compounded creams at similar doses. The goal is total testosterone in the upper end of the normal premenopausal female range.
How long does it take to work?
Improvements in libido and sexual response typically emerge over 8–12 weeks. If no benefit is seen by 6 months at physiological doses, therapy should be discontinued.
Can I get testosterone without a prescription?
No. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance and requires a prescription. Compounded female-dose formulations require a DEA-registered prescriber and a 503A compounding pharmacy.
How do I find a doctor who prescribes testosterone for women?
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