Not just a male hormone
Women's ovaries and adrenal glands produce small amounts of testosterone, which plays several roles, including in sexual desire.
The strongest evidence for testosterone as a treatment is for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) after a whole-person (biopsychosocial) assessment, not for every low result or complaint of fatigue.[1]
Separating evidence from marketing
Testosterone is increasingly marketed to women for energy, weight loss, anti-ageing or muscle, without adequate evidence.[1],[2]
Use outside proven indications, or at doses above women's natural range, can cause acne, unwanted hair growth, a deepened voice or hair thinning, some of which may not reverse after stopping.[2]
How common is HSDD?
ISSWSH reports HSDD in about 10% of adult women, depending on definitions and population.[4] Low desire without distress is not HSDD and is not an indication for hormones.
Why blood levels are not diagnostic
Testosterone may improve desire in some postmenopausal women with HSDD.[1],[2] However, women's blood testosterone levels do not correlate directly with desire, so a level does not diagnose HSDD.[1],[2]
Thresholds for male deficiency also do not apply to women.
Before considering testosterone
- A whole-person HSDD assessment covering body, mind, relationship and life context.
- Addressing other contributors first, such as medicine side effects, depression, pain or dryness, and relationship difficulties.
- Baseline hormone levels for safe monitoring, not for diagnosis.
Use and monitoring
For carefully selected postmenopausal women with HSDD, a trial of transdermal testosterone at a female dose under medical supervision may be considered.[1],[2]
- Monitor levels and side effects to keep levels within the female physiological range.
- Review at about six months; if there is no benefit, stop and reassess.
- Long-term safety data remain limited, which should be discussed before starting.
- Do not divide male products yourself, because the dose is hard to control.
How we care for you at Dr. Kris Clinic
We assess low desire as a whole and explain honestly whether hormones suit you, in English or Thai. We do not prescribe testosterone simply for a low result, or for energy or anti-ageing.
When appropriate, we plan treatment with close follow-up and refer you to sex therapy or couples counselling at Kris Care Space to address other factors too.
Frequently asked questions
My testosterone is low. Do I need to supplement it?
Not necessarily. Blood levels are not diagnostic, and treatment depends on symptoms and whole-person assessment.
Does testosterone help energy or weight loss?
There is not enough evidence. The well-supported indication is HSDD after menopause.
Can I use part of a men's gel?
That is not recommended; dosing is hard to control and levels can become too high.
What are the side effects?
Acne, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning and, at high doses, voice changes, which is why medical monitoring matters.
Consider testosterone only for appropriate indications with follow-up, and never in pregnancy.[1] A blood result alone is not a reason to use it.
Talk to a doctor about this
Confidential care in Surat Thani, the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Tue–Fri 17:00–20:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00 (UTC+7)
Book a visit LINE @dr.krisclinic WhatsAppYour appointment is confirmed once the booking system or the clinic confirms it.
Dr. Krida Uakridathikarn (Dr. Kris)
Board-certified family physician with certificate training in clinical sexology and sexual medicine. He works at Suratthani Hospital and provides sexual health, hormone and LGBTQ+ inclusive care at Dr. Kris Clinic. Profile and CV
References
- ISSWSH Testosterone for HSDD Clinical Practice Guideline (2021). doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.009
- Global Consensus on Testosterone Therapy for Women (2019). doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.012
- ISSWSH Process of Care for HSDD (2018). doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.002
- ISSWSH: HSDD Expert Consensus Panel Review (Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
Keep reading
Main guide: Women's sexual health
Low Sexual Desire in Women: When to Seek Help and What Helps
Pain During Sex: Causes, Assessment and Treatment
Vaginismus and Fear of Penetration: Understood and TreatableThis article is general education, not personal medical advice or a promise of results. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a doctor. Content reflects the cited sources as of the update date.