Do Women Have a Testosterone Problem?
Social media influencers believe they do. And with the rise of telemedicine and testosterone replacement clinics opening up across the country, access to the drug has never been easier.
Why Do Women Use Testosterone?
Dr. Amy Voedisch, an OB-GYN at Stanford Medicine in Palo Alto, California, has noticed a dramatic rise in recent years in middle-age women asking for testosterone therapy. Perimenopausal symptoms begin when women reach their 40s, triggered by hormonal fluctuations and accompanied by irregular periods, brain fog, insomnia and hair loss. The changes typically begin a few years before menopause, when periods permanently end.
Some women may notice a decrease in sex drive as levels of estrogen and testosterone, both of which play a role in libido, start to decline as they get older.
Does Testosterone Help Women?
The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved testosterone therapy for women. However, doctors can prescribe it for low sex drive after other causes, including medical and psychological ones, are ruled out, said Dr. Jan Shifren, director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Midlife Women’s Health Center in Boston. Shifren, who has been involved in clinical trials looking at testosterone therapy in women, said that the benefits for women with low libido aren’t terribly impressive.
Is Testosterone Therapy Safe?
When prescribed by a doctor and carefully monitored, testosterone is relatively safe for women and side effects are rare, experts said. Women, on the other hand, are recommended to take just 5 mg a day — 10% of the dose of a man. Higher doses for women can cause side effects including acne, excessive body hair and even body odor. Some are permanent.
Conclusion
Testosterone therapy is a complex and controversial topic, with conflicting opinions among experts. While some women report positive benefits from testosterone therapy, the evidence is limited, and the potential risks and side effects are not fully understood. Women who are considering testosterone therapy should consult with their healthcare provider and thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.
FAQs
Q: What is the recommended dose of testosterone for women?
A: 5 mg a day
Q: Is testosterone therapy approved by the FDA for women?
A: No
Q: What are the potential side effects of testosterone therapy in women?
A: Acne, excessive body hair, and body odor
Q: Is testosterone therapy safe for women?
A: Yes, when prescribed by a doctor and carefully monitored.
