Medically reviewed by:Dr. Karem Harb
Testosterone is often associated with men, but women also produce this hormone naturally.
In women, testosterone contributes to normal physiology, including aspects of sexual function.
There is growing evidence around the potential benefits of testosterone therapy in women. However, it should only be considered for select individuals following assessment and approval by a qualified physician.
Its potential benefits, risks, and limitations should always be considered in the context of an individual’s medical history and clinical assessment.
In this guide, we explore what testosterone does in women, what research says about testosterone therapy, how suitability is assessed, and what women should know about treatment options in Dubai.
Why Do Women Need Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by both men and women.
Though largely considered a sexual hormone, testosterone also helps regulate many functions in the body. In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone, but in much lower amounts than in men.
Testosterone is involved in several biological processes, including:
- Sexual desire and aspects of sexual function
- The maintenance of muscle and other body tissues
- Bone physiology
- The production of other hormones, including estrogens through a process called aromatization
The body also converts testosterone into other hormones, so its effects are connected to the wider hormonal system.
The important point is that testosterone is a normal part of women’s biology, not simply a male hormone.
Do Testosterone Levels in Women Change With Age?
Hormone levels change throughout a woman's life, including during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the menopausal transition.
Testosterone levels can also change with age, but these changes do not explain every symptom experienced during perimenopause or menopause.
Some women experience tiredness, low mood, changes in sexual desire, or sleep difficulties during this period.
These symptoms can have multiple causes, including stress, poor sleep, medication effects, thyroid disorders, anemia, relationship concerns, and changes in other hormones.
A symptom such as low libido or persistent fatigue does not, by itself, establish that testosterone levels are low or that testosterone therapy is appropriate.
A healthcare professional can assess the possible causes and discuss evidence-based treatment options.
When Is Testosterone Therapy Considered for Women?
Testosterone therapy involves administering testosterone under medical supervision.
In women, its use is more limited than in men, and it should not be treated as a routine solution for symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, weight changes, or aging.
Testosterone therapy may be helpful in selected postmenopausal women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition involving persistently low sexual desire that causes personal distress, after a comprehensive assessment.
A low testosterone blood result alone cannot diagnose HSDD or determine whether treatment will be beneficial.
Decisions about testosterone should be based on symptoms, medical history, potential contributing factors, and a discussion of the available evidence, risks, and uncertainties.
When Might Testosterone Therapy Be Appropriate for Women?
Before considering testosterone therapy, a physician assesses the woman’s symptoms, medical history, current medications, sexual health, menopausal symptoms, and potential contributing factors.
The assessment may include:
- Reviewing clinical history, including sexual desire, personal distress, relevant medical conditions, medications, and possible contributing factors.
- Blood tests for baseline levels of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) may be measured before treatment to help assess baseline levels.
- Individualized treatment discussion after evaluating the potential benefits, side effects, and alternative approaches before recommending testosterone therapy.
- Follow-up to monitor testosterone exposure, treatment response, and adverse effects.
What are the Possible Benefits of Testosterone Therapy in Women?
The benefits of testosterone therapy depend on the reason treatment is being considered. Some of these benefits include:
1. May Improve Energy Levels
Fatigue may be associated with sleep disturbances, anemia, thyroid disorders, stress, depression, medication effects, menopause-related symptoms, and other health conditions.
Testosterone therapy may help improve energy levels in some women. However, testosterone is not always a solution for low energy levels.
If you experience chronic fatigue or tiredness, consult a physician to identify the underlying cause.
2. Improves Sexual Desire
Sexual well-being is one area where testosterone has a particularly well-established role in women.
Studies have shown that testosterone treatment can help women experiencing low sexual desire improve overall well-being, particularly after menopause.
If you are struggling with low libido or difficulty developing sexual desire, a careful assessment with a DHA-licensed physician can help determine the cause and your suitability for testosterone therapy.
3. Contributes to Muscle Health
Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass and physical function in both males and females.
As women age, maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important because strong muscles support mobility and balance, enable everyday activities, help maintain physical independence, and support healthy aging.
However, exercise remains one of the most important ways to support muscle health. Resistance training, adequate protein intake, good sleep, and regular physical activity can all play important roles.
4. Supports and Maintains Bone Health
Beyond muscle strength, testosterone also supports bone health.
This is particularly important in women because around and after menopause, they are at a higher risk of bone loss, which can contribute to osteoporosis and increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Women’s bone health is especially important around and after menopause because changing hormone levels can increase the risk of bone loss.
If bone health is a concern, a healthcare professional can recommend appropriate screening and treatment.
Remember: Testosterone therapy is not routinely recommended for general energy, mood, muscle building, weight management, bone protection, or anti-aging. Women considering treatment should understand the evidence for its specific use, as well as the potential risks and limitations.
What Should Women Consider Before Testosterone Therapy in Dubai?
Testosterone therapy involves administering testosterone under medical supervision.
In women, its use is more limited than in men, and it should not be treated as a routine solution for symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, weight changes, or aging.
Testosterone therapy may be helpful in selected postmenopausal women experiencing hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition involving persistently low sexual desire that causes personal distress, after a comprehensive assessment.
A low testosterone blood result alone cannot diagnose HSDD or determine whether treatment will be beneficial.
Decisions about testosterone should be based on symptoms, medical history, potential contributing factors, and a discussion of the available evidence, risks, and uncertainties.
What Should Women Consider Before Testosterone Therapy in Dubai?
Testosterone treatment is not suitable for everyone.
Before starting testosterone therapy, a qualified physician will consider several factors:
- Your symptoms
- Your age and stage of menopause
- Your medical history
- Current medications
- Other possible causes of your symptoms
- Your baseline testosterone level
- Whether treatment is supported by clinical evidence for your particular situation
If testosterone therapy is prescribed, the physician will use a dose and formulation intended to keep testosterone exposure within the physiological range appropriate for women.
The treatment plan will also include follow-up to assess symptom response, check testosterone levels when indicated, and identify possible side effects.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone is naturally present in the body, but when administered externally to restore levels, it may cause side effects, particularly when the dose is too high.
Possible side effects of testosterone therapy may include:
- Acne
- Increased facial or body hair
- Changes in scalp hair
- Oily skin
- Changes in mood
- Voice changes
Women are advised to be cautious about products sold online that promise rapid hormone boosting or dramatic anti-aging results.
Testosterone Therapy at Hortman Clinics, Dubai
At Hortman Clinics, Dubai, testosterone therapy focuses on personalized care, medical assessment, and ongoing monitoring for men with clinically confirmed low testosterone.
What Does Testosterone Therapy Involve?
-
Comprehensive assessment
We review symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and order appropriate blood tests to assess testosterone levels.
-
Personalized treatment plans
Treatment recommendations are based on hormone levels, overall health, symptoms, and individual needs.
-
Symptom management
Therapy may help address symptoms associated with low testosterone, including reduced libido, persistent fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and mood changes, when clinically appropriate.
-
Ongoing monitoring
Regular follow-ups and relevant tests help evaluate treatment response, monitor hormone levels, and identify potential side effects.
-
Treatment safety
Medical supervision helps assess risks, review existing health conditions, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
-
Fertility considerations
Reproductive goals should be discussed, as testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production and affect fertility.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, testosterone is an important hormone in women, even though they produce it in much smaller amounts than men.
It supports sexual health, muscle function, bone health, and overall well-being.
For some postmenopausal women, medically supervised testosterone treatment may be helpful, particularly if they are struggling with persistent low sexual desire that may be causing them distress.
If you are experiencing changes in energy, mood, sexual desire, or physical well-being, it is recommended to get a bigger picture by consulting a qualified physician.
To consult a DHA-licensed physician at Hortman Clinics, book an appointment today.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Testosterone supports normal physiological and sexual function in women. Low testosterone in women may cause symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, or reduced libido.
Symptoms of low testosterone include reduced sexual desire, fatigue, low mood, difficulty concentrating, and changes in body composition.
Testosterone therapy for women involves administering testosterone to address specific symptoms or medical concerns. Although testosterone is often associated with men, women can also undergo testosterone therapy.
Yes, it may help selected women experiencing persistent, distressing low sexual desire. A physician will assess potential contributors such as medications, relationship factors, mental health, pain during sex, and menopausal symptoms before considering treatment.
Testosterone administered at doses that maintain physiological concentrations has shown a generally reassuring short-term safety profile in studied populations. Possible adverse effects include acne and increased facial or body hair.
Improvements in sexual desire may develop over several weeks, with benefits often assessed over approximately three to six months. Clinical follow-up should assess symptom improvement, adverse effects, and whether to continue treatment. If there is no meaningful benefit after an appropriate trial, the clinician should reconsider treatment.
There is some but limited evidence that testosterone therapy may be helpful for premenopausal women. Testosterone therapy requires an individualized specialist assessment.
Men and women differ in their physiological testosterone concentrations, treatment objectives, and appropriate doses. Products intended for men can deliver excessive exposure if women use them incorrectly. This is why testosterone therapy in women requires carefully adjusted dosing and monitoring to avoid side effects from excessive testosterone.
Medical Review & Clinical Accuracy
Written by: Hortman Clinics Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by:Dr. Karem Harb
Last medically reviewed : October 14, 2026
HORTMAN CLINICS NEWS
Related News
We are here for you. Always.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.
