How does testosterone therapy for women work?

Testosterone is an androgen hormone made naturally by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels can change with age, menopause and some medical treatments. Therapy does not replace an assessment of other reasons for low sex drive, such as pain, vaginal dryness, relationship strain, low mood, medicines or sleep problems. A clinician may discuss menopause care alongside testosterone, rather than treating every symptom with one hormone.

Treatment is commonly applied to the skin as a measured gel. The body absorbs the medicine gradually through the skin. The aim is to use the smallest dose that addresses the agreed goal. Benefits may take time to assess, and treatment should be reviewed rather than continued without monitoring.

Use the exact amount and schedule prescribed, and apply it only to the instructed area. Wash hands afterwards and allow the application site to dry. Prevent skin contact with other people until the product instructions say it is safe. Keep review appointments so symptoms, side effects and any blood tests can be considered. Report new acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, voice change or mood changes; these can indicate that the dose needs reassessment.

Contact your clinician if symptoms are troublesome, the treatment is not helping, or you notice unexpected bleeding, marked mood change, severe headache or signs of accidental transfer to a child or partner. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness or sudden weakness.

Ask what symptom is being targeted, whether menopause-related causes have been assessed, how the dose will be monitored, how long to trial treatment, and what changes should prompt a review.