Rediscovering testosterone in women's health: History and practice

Androgen therapy for women predates the headlines by decades. Early research showed promise for desire, but long-term safety data never caught up.

As estrogen came to define menopause care, testosterone faded from view, and the oral combination clinicians relied on was never FDA approved.

The WHI never studied testosterone, yet it chilled conversations about every hormone, with lasting consequences for women’s sexual health.

A testosterone patch improved sexual desire in trials but never won US approval. Normal female physiology defines what replacement should target.

A global consensus defines what the evidence supports for testosterone in women. Benefits for strength, mood, and cognition lack randomized data.

Blood levels alone cannot confirm safe testosterone dosing. Asking about androgenic effects and allowing months for response are central to care.