When is testosterone therapy for women recommended for menopause?

Menopause can affect sexual desire through changes in hormones, sleep, mood, vaginal comfort, relationships, medicines, and general health. Testosterone is not a general treatment for every menopausal symptom. A clinician may discuss it when low sexual desire remains distressing after these contributing factors have been reviewed and addressed where possible. Treatment is usually prescribed at a dose intended for women, with a review of benefits and unwanted effects. Blood testing may support safe prescribing and monitoring, but a result alone does not decide whether treatment is suitable.

Tell your clinician about bleeding after menopause, acne, excess facial hair, hair loss, liver problems, cardiovascular disease, breast concerns, and all medicines. Discuss vaginal dryness, pain during sex, sleep, mood, and relationship factors because these may need separate care. If treatment is started, follow the application instructions and attend the planned review. Report new acne, increased hair growth, scalp hair thinning, voice changes, or other unwanted effects rather than changing the dose yourself.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for any bleeding after menopause, a new breast change, severe headache, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or leg swelling. Contact the prescribing clinician about androgen-related changes such as persistent acne, facial hair growth, or voice alteration. These symptoms need evaluation and should not be attributed to menopause without a clinical review.

Ask whether your symptoms fit the reason testosterone is considered, what alternatives could help, which tests are needed, and how benefit will be reviewed. Clarify application, monitoring, side effects, interactions, and what to do if desire does not improve.