Testosterone Therapy for Females

A woman's testosterone levels decline with age. Surgical menopause, which is the result of a hysterectomy, results in a drastic lowering of testosterone, whereas natural menopause doesn't have such an abrupt impact because the change is more gradual.

Expert Insight

• When a woman's testosterone levels dip, loss of libido is likely to occur, according to Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Sandhya Pruthi.

No Consensus

• There is no consensus regarding the benefits or risks of testosterone therapy for women in menopause. Sometimes testosterone therapy is recommended if a woman has not responded to estrogen therapy after the removal of her ovaries and she is experiencing fatigue, depression and lack of sex drive.

Effects

• Dr. Barbara Sherwin, a psychology professor at McGill University, studied a group of women who had their ovaries removed and were subsequently given a combination of estrogen and testosterone therapy. The women became more interested in sex and experienced more orgasms.

Caution

• Dr. Pruthi notes that testosterone therapy is only considered for women who have adequate estrogen levels. Testosterone should not be taken by any woman who has had uterine or breast cancer or liver or cardiovascular problems.

Procedure and Potential

• Testosterone therapy can be a gel, cream, injection or pill. Side effects include excessive facial hair and acne. Occasionally, a woman will experience enlargement of her clitoris, a deeper voice, personality or mood changes, or liver problems.

Warning

• Keep in mind that the long-term effects of testosterone therapy are not known.