Why Would a Woman Be Given Testosterone Gel?

Women go through a roller coaster of hormonal changes throughout their lives. Even when women have low levels of certain hormones, like testosterone, doctors can prescribe replacement therapy in gel or pill form to help maintain a healthy balance.

Natural Production

• Healthy young women produce more testosterone than estrogen naturally. As they age, testosterone diminishes.

Sex Drive

• Testosterone is the driving factor for a woman's sexual desire. Women low in this hormone can be prescribed testosterone gel to boost libido, according to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a Harvard and Baylor University graduate.

Muscle Mass

• Menopausal women have less muscle mass than women in their 20s because they have much less testosterone. Prescribed gel can help boost muscle strength.

Mood

• Women with low natural testosterone levels often experience depression and are prescribed gel to combat the problem, says Mirkin.

Bones

• Testosterone gel is also given to those with osteoporosis or bone thinning, typically menopausal women.