Testosterone is mostly used alongside HRT, and can help with symptoms such as low libido, when oestrogen +/- progesterone alone has not helped.

Testosterone therapy in women is primarily used to treat low libido, not as a weight loss treatment. While it can support increased muscle mass and improved body composition, any reduction in body fat is usually modest and works best alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

At Menopause Care, we provide specialist guidance on testosterone therapy for women, tailoring treatment to your hormonal needs while supporting overall wellbeing and body confidence.

Some women notice changes in sexual desire within 6-12 weeks, but full benefits often take 6 months.

Some women notice:

• Improved sexual desire
• Improved sexual arousal and sexual responsiveness
• Improved sexual satisfaction

Not all women respond to testosterone treatment. Your clinician will review your response to treatment and, if there is no meaningful benefit, discuss whether treatment should be stopped.

Side effects can include mild acne, increased facial or body hair, changes in mood, voice changes, or increased skin oiliness. Most side effects are mild and reversible.

At Menopause Care, we monitor treatment closely and make proactive dose adjustments where needed, so any potential side effects, such as skin changes or unwanted hair growth, are managed safely and effectively.

Blood tests are done before starting treatment, at 3 months, then 6–12 months, and annually thereafter to check hormone levels and ensure safety.

Testosterone is not a contraceptive. Pregnancy while on testosterone may harm the baby. Use reliable contraception if applicable.

No. It is recommended and managed to address a hormone deficiency and is stopped if no benefit is seen.

Testosterone is typically used alongside oestrogen ± progesterone for safety and optimal benefit.

Specialist cream formulations are licensed in Australia and is expected to launch in the UK in 2026 for postmenopausal women with HSDD. In the meantime, these can still be prescribed privately in the UK, although this is an unlicensed use.

Testosterone has been shown to be safe and effective for women in the short- to medium-term when prescribed at the right dose and with regular monitoring. Most studies have followed women for up to 24 months, showing improvements in symptoms such as low libido without serious side effects. The main concerns are acne, excess hair growth, or hair thinning, which can usually be managed by adjusting the dose.

Evidence on long-term safety (beyond 2–3 years) is still limited, but ongoing studies are reassuring so far. Importantly, no increase in breast cancer or cardiovascular risk has been seen in the available data, though further research is needed.

Current research suggests non-oral testosterone (transdermal – creams/gels) when used at doses that achieve physiological concentrations, have not been shown to significantly alter lipid levels or increase heart health in the short term.

Testosterone is usually not taken long term. Your clinician will regularly review whether it is helping you and may stop treatment if there is no improvement or the benefits are no longer clear. Evidence supports short‑to‑medium‑term use under monitoring. Long‑term safety studies are still ongoing.

Testosterone, SHBG, and Free Androgen Index completed at our trusted partner labs.

Yes — as long as they are UK-based, venous tests (not finger-prick), and show your full name, date of birth, and date of test needs to be visible on the original copy of your results.

From our partner pharmacies. The cost of these are not included in the package.

You will receive a clinic summary letter that you can share with your GP if you would like.