Testosterone: Not Just for Men

5 minute read

When you reach perimenopause, it is the start of another life cycle. You are still you, but different; evolving. More settled, self-assured, sure of what you will accept and what you won’t stand for, but the positive takeaways can come with some negatives too. The hormonal transition can alter everything from mood, mental clarity, sleep, skin, energy – and your libido, which, unfortunately, can take a dive, particularly if you experience early menopause.

This can come as an unpleasant shock if it happens; you might have been totally in tune with your sexual self prior to menopause and for this to suddenly disappear is hugely unsettling. And it can affect 31% of women – the medical name for this is hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction or HSDD. And when it comes to resuming normal service in this department, so to speak, testosterone could be the answer.

but isn’t testosterone a male hormone?

Testosterone is a hormone known as an androgen. It’s often thought of as solely a male hormone, however, women also have testosterone in their bodies –made in the ovaries and adrenal glands – and an imbalance of either too much or too little can affect a woman’s overall health quite noticeably, resulting in a lesser quality of life. Research says by the time a woman is 40 years old, her levels of androgens have decreased by half, which is significant. Then, after menopause, levels can drop to almost nothing.

Traditionally, testosterone was not prescribed if you are taking HRT, for example, but experts now think it may be the solution for at least some women whose libido and general energy has flatlined. Global research from the International Menopause Society (IMS), says that supplementing with testosterone does help women rediscover their sexual desire after menopause – so its function is obviously hugely important. And it can be given as a treatment option; a paper from the British Menopause Society, gives clear guidance for GPs on how testosterone can be used as part of HRT treatment, and how to prescribe it.

There’s also some evidence to say taking it makes a difference – though it can often take several months to have an effect. In clinical trials of women with low sexual desire, two-thirds of women found theirs improved after taking testosterone.

A lack of data

So, how do you know if your levels are dipping?

The main indications generally are: you don’t want to have sex, or you find it hard to get aroused or to orgasm. Research says it can also be useful for women who feel tired, depressed, get headaches or have brain fog.

“At the moment, the only evidence we have about testosterone is that it is useful for managing low libido in women who are post-menopausal,” explains Dr Caoimhe Hartley of the Menopause Health Clinic. “We lack data regarding women in perimenopause but hopefully will see more research in this area in the future.”

She says it's known for some benefits, but also has side effects – some of which are irreversible, so your GP will get your hormone levels checked first before prescribing it, only if really deemed necessary. “Anecdotally, some women report improvement in energy or in cognitive function when taking testosterone,” Dr Hartley continues.

Side effects

“It’s important to know that testosterone can cause some side effects such as excess hair growth (usually in the area where you are applying the gel) or acne. If you are using too much, it can cause a change in your voice, enlargement of the clitoris or male pattern hair loss (which are irreversible).”

“To avoid these issues, women taking testosterone should have their testosterone levels checked (with a blood sample).”

Remember, if in doubt, research, listen to your body and speak to your GP or a menopause specialist. You know yourself better than anyone, and if you’re concerned, or simply want to see your sex drive and general motivation lift again, there are options to help available.