What you’ll learn
In this article, you’ll discover why testosterone matters for women going through menopause, how low levels may impact your health, and what treatment options are available if your levels are out of balance.
Menopause is a normal stage in a woman’s life, but the hormonal shifts it brings can cause frustration, confusion, and uncomfortable symptoms. Most people associate testosterone with men—but women produce it, too. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in a woman’s body throughout her life.
Testosterone supports your sex drive, bone strength, energy levels, mood, and even mental sharpness. So when levels dip during or after menopause, you may start noticing changes that affect how you feel day to day.
Testosterone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, which means these types of medication are available by prescription, but are more strictly regulated because they have a moderate potential for dependency. That means you’ll likely need more frequent check-ins and refills to ensure safe and responsible use. Because testosterone is a Schedule III substance, your QuickMD provider can prescribe it, but only in limited quantities and with close monitoring.
Testosterone’s role in women’s health
So, what does testosterone do for a woman? In a woman’s body, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It contributes to:
- Sexual health (boosting libido and sexual satisfaction)
- Bone density (helping prevent osteoporosis)
- Muscle mass and strength
- Energy and stamina
- Mood stability
- Cognitive function, including focus and memory
During menopause, your body naturally cuts back on its production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal drop can leave you feeling tired, foggy, or not quite like your usual self.
With the guidance of a licensed provider, boosting your testosterone levels can help ease these symptoms and improve your quality of life. One of the most common uses for testosterone replacement in women is protecting against loss of bone density, which becomes a greater risk after menopause. Balancing testosterone levels can also help to regulate mood swings associated with fluctuating hormones.
How to know if you might need testosterone therapy
Low testosterone doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. However, common signs include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue or sluggishness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Loss of muscle tone
If you’re noticing any of these changes, a licensed QuickMD provider can help assess whether your testosterone levels are contributing to the issue. A hormone panel and symptom review can confirm whether menopause hormone therapy (MHT) might help.
You don’t need to guess or figure it out on your own. We’re here to help. Take control of your health today.
How testosterone helps during menopause
What does testosterone do for women in menopause? Balancing this hormone can support your body in a number of ways during this time in your life. Here’s how it helps:
- Increasing libido: Testosterone stimulates sexual desire by influencing brain receptors tied to motivation and pleasure. Low levels are strongly linked to reduced interest in sex.
- Managing vaginal dryness and pain during sex: Testosterone supports healthy vaginal tissues and blood flow, helping reduce discomfort and improve lubrication.
- Improving mental clarity: Low testosterone has been linked to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness. Supplementing may improve focus and recall.
- Stabilizing mood: Testosterone influences the chemicals in your brain that help regulate emotions, like dopamine and serotonin (AKA “the happy hormone”). Low levels can contribute to depression or anxiety.
- Boosting energy levels: Testosterone supports red blood cell production and mitochondrial activity, both of which fuel your body’s natural energy systems.
Because every woman’s body is unique, the exact benefits you experience will vary. However, many women report feeling more energized, mentally sharp, and emotionally balanced with the right dosage of testosterone therapy. Working with a licensed provider can help you find the right testosterone levels that work best for your body chemistry and symptoms.
Long-term benefits after menopause
The benefits of testosterone don’t stop at menopause. In fact, ongoing support may protect your health well into later life.
Here’s how it helps post-menopausal women:
- Preserves bone density: Testosterone helps your body build and retain strong bones. As estrogen declines, your risk of osteoporosis rises. Testosterone can provide added support to help reduce fractures.
- Supports cognitive health: Balanced testosterone may help maintain sharper memory and reduce the risk of brain fog. It also supports healthy pathways in the brain by stimulating blood flow and nerve growth.
- Sustains sexual wellness: For many post-menopausal women, testosterone therapy helps maintain libido and reduce vaginal dryness, enhancing comfort and intimacy.
- Maintains muscle mass: Testosterone plays a key role in preserving lean muscle mass and strength, which helps with balance, stability, and metabolism.
- Improves emotional stability: With mood-regulating effects, testosterone may help reduce feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety that can linger after menopause.
As you age, your hormone needs can shift. That’s why it’s important to check in regularly with a provider who can monitor your levels and make adjustments as needed. With the right care, you can feel confident that your treatment is tailored to your unique needs and best supports your overall health.
Testosterone therapy options
Testosterone replacement therapy for women struggling with menopause symptoms is available in a variety of forms. Some of the most popular methods include:
- Transdermal gels or patches: These specially formulated medications can be applied to the skin daily. They are designed to allow women to absorb their active ingredients (including testosterone) into the bloodstream and easily circulate throughout the body. Transdermal gels are standardized by the FDA and allow for controlled, consistent dosing.
- Compounded creams: These are custom-mixed formulas prepared by specialty pharmacies, made to suit the individual needs of each person. Compounded creams are applied to the skin and can be an option if you have sensitivities to standard gels or need a unique dosage. This method is less regulated than gels, meaning hormone concentration and quality can vary, compared to more standardized gels.
- Pellets: These are small implants inserted under the skin, typically in the hip area. They release testosterone slowly, in controlled doses over a 3-month period. Pellets can be challenging to dose and are typically not recommended as a first line of therapy.
For some women, the best results come from combining testosterone with estrogen and progesterone. This kind of personalized plan can address multiple symptoms at once, including mood changes, brain fog, sexual health concerns, and general well-being.
Like all medications and treatments, it’s worth discussing your personal and family medical history with a provider to understand the benefits and risks. Every woman’s menopause journey looks different, which is why getting your levels tested and working with a licensed provider who listens to your symptoms is so important. Together, you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Testosterone therapy side effects and safety for women
Testosterone therapy for women can be safe and effective when monitored by a licensed provider. But like any hormone treatment, it can come with side effects, especially with high doses.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Male-pattern hair loss: Thinning at the crown or temples may occur if testosterone is too high. This side effect can improve if levels are adjusted to a lower, more appropriate dose.
- Acne: Increased oil production can lead to breakouts, particularly around the jawline.
- Enlargement of the clitoris: A rare but possible effect from prolonged high testosterone levels. This symptom may reverse if therapy is discontinued early, but could be permanent in some cases.
- Hair growth on the chest and face: Testosterone can stimulate hair follicles throughout the body, leading to unwanted growth. This effect typically improves with dose adjustment.
- Voice changes: Your voice may become deeper. This symptom isn’t common, but may be irreversible.
- Impact on cholesterol levels: Testosterone may affect HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Monitoring your cholesterol regularly is an important part of protecting your heart health.
Most side effects depend on your dosage and are reversible. This is why it’s so important to work with a provider who can fine-tune your dosage and adjust as needed. Keeping a symptom journal and scheduling regular labs can help you and your provider keep a pulse on how your body is responding to treatment and taking fast action to adjust your dosage so you can feel your best without having to overcorrect.
Frequently asked questions about testosterone therapy
How safe is testosterone therapy for women in menopause?
Testosterone therapy for menopausal women is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider. Side effects are possible, but most can be managed by working with your provider to adjust the dosage.
How long does it take to notice results?
Some women notice improvements in their menopause symptoms within a few weeks. For others, it may take between 3 to 6 months to experience the full benefits.
Can testosterone be used after menopause?
Yes, especially if you continue to experience low libido or other persistent symptoms. Your provider will assess whether it’s appropriate based on your health and goals.
Is testosterone covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover testosterone therapy. Be sure to check with your provider to confirm what’s included and whether a prior authorization is needed. While QuickMD does not accept insurance at this time, we offer affordable, cash-pay pricing for our MHT program. This program is offered as a monthly subscription plan where your provider will write you a prescription. You can then fill your prescription with a QuickMD pharmacy partner at cash pay pricing or use your local/preferred pharmacy that accepts your insurance plan.
How do I know if testosterone is right for me?
If you’re dealing with low libido, fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes, your testosterone levels might be out of balance. Testing and consulting with a provider can help you get the answers you need to put you on a path to balancing your hormones.
When should a woman go on testosterone?
Only when recommended by a provider after reviewing symptoms and lab work. It’s most often considered when other treatments haven’t helped and symptoms are disrupting your daily life.
How long does it take for testosterone to work in females?
Timelines vary from woman to woman, depending on your unique body chemistry. Some women feel better within weeks, but most will find themselves feeling more like themselves within 3 to 6 months.
What does testosterone do for menopausal women?
Testosterone helps menopausal women find relief from some of the most frustrating symptoms of menopause when their natural levels have dropped. It helps support sexual desire, bone and muscle health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
