Testosterone Replacement Therapy For Women: What You Need to Know

Female testosterone cream gets tick of approval in win for gender and sexual equality

Nonbinary people can a man take testosterone to grow facial hair (https://sebastiano.fr/) also use nandrolone, an injectable steroid, to increase muscle mass without excessive hair growth. However, its safety profile is not well studied for medical use, as most data comes from its misuse in athletes. As a result, it’s usually better to look for a physician who specializes in hormone replacement therapy for the best results. Another commonly used form of testosterone replacement (or other hormones) is through pellets. ​Replacing testosterone levels isn’t going to be a weight loss miracle pill, but it can certainly go a long way to helping reduce any extra weight that was gained due to its deficiency. ​At least some (if not a huge portion) of this weight gain is secondary to lower testosterone levels showing the impact that this hormone has on weight.

Like any medication, testosterone cream has possible side effects. Common ones include skin irritation where the cream is applied or increased hair growth on the body or face. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a common condition among women experiencing low testosterone levels, characterized by a persistent lack of sexual desire that can lead to significant distress. Women usually rub testosterone cream or gel onto their thigh, says Newson, making sure the skin is clean and dry. Tostran is rubbed into the abdomen or both inner thighs, while Testogel is often applied to the shoulders.

It’s important to rotate application sites to reduce the risk of skin irritation and ensure consistent hormone levels. Abdomen or Lower StomachCertain prescriptions suggest applying testosterone cream to the lower abdomen area. Yet, there is no approved testosterone cream for women in the United States. If a doctor does prescribe the cream, it is for off-label use. As mentioned, some doctors could be hesitant to prescribe testosterone cream for women. Want to look in the mirror and see a radiant complexion smiling back at you?

Not only does Testosterone replacement therapy help improve a woman’s quality of life and address potential health risks related to low testosterone levels, but it also brings other remarkable benefits. Applying testosterone cream to the breasts is generally not recommended due to the potential for localized side effects and the possibility of affecting breast tissue. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. The dosage and frequency of testosterone cream application can vary based on individual needs and the advice of a healthcare provider.

It supports bone density and muscle mass which are important as we age. There are still question marks when it comes to the effect of testosterone treatment on cardiovascular and breast health. Testosterone gel (Tostran 2%) comes in a canister and women are advised to use 1 pump (10mg) a pea sized amount on the skin every other day. In the UK, treatment is not licensed for women and is prescribed ‘off label’. Although licensed for men, the licence for women was removed in 2012 for commercial reasons. The NHS prescribes the testosterone licensed for men to women. The brain, specifically the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to stimulate testosterone production when levels are less than optimal.

“There are lots of reasons why people have reduced libido and mood, so testosterone is not going to be a cure for everyone,” says Newson. Whatever you do, both she and Stevens agree that you should not consider taking testosterone without proper medical supervision. “It’s painless – much like being a diabetic.” Plus, subcutaneous jabs have a slower rate of absorption. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes and controls – among other things – sperm production and sex drive.

There are also concerns about breast cancer and cardiovascular risks. Most women tend to gain weight during menopause (5) (sometimes as much as 15 pounds) and this weight gain is felt to be caused by changes in hormone levels. Testosterone has been shown to INCREASE sex drive (1) and libido in women with low testosterone levels.

Postmenopausal women often experience a more significant decline in natural testosterone levels, leading to symptoms like reduced libido, hot flashes, and decreased energy. Testosterone replacement therapy in this group focuses on providing relief from these symptoms through targeted and effective treatment options. Medical experts have studied testosterone cream for women closely. It may improve energy levels, mood, and sexual health in some cases. There has also been debate over whether testosterone can alleviate sexual dysfunction in older men and those with obesity. For many, one of the authors commented, it may be more suitable than Viagra.