Should You Be Taking Testosterone?

Should you be taking testosterone?

When’s the right time?

Wait… am I on testosterone?

These are questions I get all the time—and fair enough, because there’s a whole lot of confusion (and misinformation) floating around about this hormone. So let’s clear a few things up.

First Things First: Yes, You Have Testosterone

Testosterone isn’t just for men. Women make it too—just in smaller amounts. And while it might not get the same spotlight as estrogen and progesterone, it plays a huge role in your health, especially in midlife.

As for me?

Nope, I’m not on testosterone yet. But I’m also not on estrogen yet either.

When the time is right, I’ll go on both. But this article is about you—so let’s get into it.

What Is Testosterone Approved For?

Right now in the U.S., testosterone is only officially indicated for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)—which is defined as a persistent lack of sexual interest or desire for 6 months or more. That means no interest, no fantasies, no drive.

But let’s be honest: libido isn’t always that simple.

Testosterone has been shown in studies to improve libido for many women. It’s not a magic pill (or cream), and if you’re dealing with pain during sex, relationship dynamics, or emotional blocks, then we’ve got to address those too.

That said, testosterone may also help with:

• Mood and motivation

• Muscle mass and strength

• Bone density

• Performance, power, and recovery

• Vulv-vaginal symptoms like dryness and pain

The science is growing—and it’s promising.

But Here’s the Frustrating Part…

There is no FDA-approved testosterone for women in the United States.

Yep. Men have plenty of options. Women? We get to improvise.

Meanwhile, Australia has been using an approved version for women for years. (Insert eye roll here.)

So... Should You Be Taking Testosterone?

Testosterone is a controlled substance, which means it has to be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. This isn’t something you can pick up at your local natural grocery store (and please don’t try).

If you’re thinking:

• “I have zero libido—like, could-not-care-less”

• “My motivation is in the gutter”

• “I'm lifting weights and still feel weak”

• “I’m losing muscle mass and I don’t know why…”

You might be a candidate.

What About Testing First?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I’m a huge fan of testing before prescribing. You want to look at:

• Total testosterone

• Free testosterone

• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)

Make sure your lab uses mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for testing. It’s the gold standard for accurate testosterone levels. Avoid labs that use immunoassays—they’re far less precise, especially in women.

How Are Women Getting Testosterone?

Since there’s no approved version in the U.S., most women are either:

• Using very small doses of testosterone products that are FDA-approved for men, or

• Getting it compounded specifically for them through a compounding pharmacy. I like compounding as it’s made specifically for you.

Are There Potential Side Effects?

Yes—testosterone is still a hormone. Too much of it can cause:

• Hair loss (especially if you’re already prone)

• Acne

• Unwanted hair growth

• Mood swings, irritability, or anger

• In extreme cases, voice deepening or clitoral enlargement

Before you freak out—these side effects tend to occur only when testosterone is overprescribed or used by someone who doesn’t actually need it.

This is why I think testing is so important—and why I also check for thyroid issues, high cortisol, and look at estradiol and progesterone, since all of these can influence those symptoms and testosterone levels too.

Do You Have to Go On It?

Absolutely not.

If you’re doing life, maybe already on estrogen and progesterone, and feeling pretty dang good—then you don’t need to jump on testosterone just because someone on TikTok said it’s the fountain of youth.

Many women start with estrogen and progesterone, get rebalanced in life, and then evaluate whether testosterone is needed down the line.

Bottom Line

If you’re curious about testosterone, start with a conversation—and a lab test.

If your libido, muscle strength, energy, and drive are MIA and nothing else is helping, testosterone might be part of your solution.

Talk to your provider, get the right testing, and work with someone who knows how to interpret your results and tailor a dose just for you.

Hormone health is never one-size-fits-all—but it is something you deserve to understand, own, and feel confident about. 💛