Testosterone treatments for women, once primarily associated with men, have recently become a significant topic in women's health. Susan Davis, a professor at Monash University and a leading researcher in this field, recalls that "No one talked about testosterone for women a few years ago," but now, the subject is widely discussed, particularly as more women seek ways to manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and low libido. Testosterone, which is naturally produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women, plays a role in regulating sexual desire, supporting bone and muscle health, and contributing to mood and energy stability. Despite growing interest, researchers caution that much of the medical community is not fully informed about the effects of testosterone in women. Nora Lansen, a certified menopause specialist and chief medical officer at Elektra Health, notes that testosterone has been one of the last hormones studied in women. After a large study in the early 2000s linked certain hormone replacement therapies (HRT) to an increased risk of breast cancer, strokes, and blood clots, interest in HRT declined, even after flaws in the research were exposed. However, the only proven use of testosterone for women is the treatment of low libido after menopause, known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). According to Susan Davis, "Every study, regardless of its size, shows a benefit compared to placebo." Despite this, many women with low libido do not receive the treatment they need. Some are told, "You're 60, what did you expect? It's normal for your age." Nora Lansen suggests that if a postmenopausal woman's low libido is a concern or disrupts her romantic relationship, testosterone may be an option to consider. However, not all women will see benefits from testosterone treatment. About 60% experience symptom relief, according to Susan Davis, but sexual desire can also be influenced by other factors such as stress, relationship dynamics, medication treatments, and overall physical health. Hormones are rarely the sole cause. For other women, a lower sex drive may not be a problem. Nora Lansen notes that "It's a very personal experience." Currently, there is not enough data to recommend testosterone treatment for low libido in premenopausal women. While some internet claims suggest that testosterone can boost energy, strengthen bones, and help preserve muscles, scientists do not support most of these claims, or at least not yet. Susan Davis notes that "I think there are people who are prescribed testosterone with the message that they will feel better, have energy, vitality, and be in a better mood," but "we don't have enough data to prove it." Some studies show slight improvements in mood in women undergoing testosterone treatment, but Susan Davis insists there is no evidence that it is more effective than a placebo. Regarding bone density, which decreases more rapidly after menopause, the role of testosterone remains uncertain. Preliminary studies show a positive association between adequate testosterone levels and bone mineral density, but this does not mean that testosterone treatment will increase these indicators. Susan Davis is currently working on a study examining the direct impact of testosterone therapy on bone density. The results will not be published before 2026, and for now, there is not enough evidence to recommend it for this purpose. Nora Lansen estimates that "Flying the flag of testosterone as a solution to all of this is very premature and exaggerated." Even though testosterone treatments are promising for some women, turning these studies into a safe treatment is far from simple. The main challenge is that there is no standardized and specific method to prescribe it to women. Australia has had a female formulation for twenty years, but in France, the United States, and elsewhere in the world, there is no testosterone treatment approved by health authorities for women. When doctors prescribe it, it is based on small doses of a male formulation. Nora Lansen explains that "We have tried to estimate what would be an appropriate dose for a woman, about a tenth of the dose intended for a man, because we know that men have about ten to twenty times more testosterone in their system than women." However, this approximation carries risks. If the dose is too high, the side effects include oily skin, increased hair growth, acne, and hair loss. Susan Davis notes that "I have seen people really seriously affected by too high doses." Without health authority supervision, treatment options vary in terms of safety. Susan Davis explains that gels and patches are the safest, while oral and injectable forms carry higher risks, including cholesterol metabolism changes and potential stress on the cardiovascular system. If considering testosterone treatment, experts emphasize that it is preferable to do so under the supervision of a trusted clinician. Nora Lansen says, "It is really important not to simply self-diagnose and have a transactional experience with someone online without any follow-up." In general, there are many different paths to sexual well-being, and testosterone is only one aspect of treatment. Other treatments for low libido and menopause symptoms can include estrogen therapy, lifestyle adjustments such as stress reduction or exercise, and even non-hormonal medications. Nora Lansen concludes that "There are many options, and we have learned so much in recent years, and we continue to learn more. It's great that this conversation is at the forefront and that so many people are talking about it."