Accessible conversations about testosterone often touch on its effects on women’s health, including potential improvements in sexual well-being and menopause-related symptoms. While these benefits are discussed by medical experts, it is essential to acknowledge safety considerations, especially regarding contact with pets during treatment. Clinicians emphasize careful handling of testosterone products to prevent unintended exposure for animals and others in the household.
Testosterone is frequently described as a “male” hormone, but in reality it is produced in women by multiple organs, including the ovaries, adrenal glands, and, in some accounts, the brain. In women, this hormone supports metabolic balance, helps regulate libido, contributes to muscle and bone maintenance, and assists in the production of red blood cells. During menopause, natural testosterone production tends to decline, a shift that has coincided with an increase in prescriptions for women between 2015 and 2022. In clinical practice, testosterone is prescribed for certain libido disorders and issues related to lubrication, including cases where other therapies may be less effective or unsuitable due to interactions with specific medications.
Across many countries, testosterone therapy for women does not have formal regulatory approval, which means clinicians often tailor doses originally developed for men to suit female patients. This typically translates to lower dosing for women, often about one-tenth of the male dosage. The lack of standardized guidelines stems from limited high-quality evidence on the long-term effectiveness and safety of testosterone for women. Contemporary clinical guidelines suggest considering testosterone only for postmenopausal women with reduced libido when conventional treatments fail to provide relief, and after careful discussion of potential risks and benefits (NICE menopause guidelines, 2015).
In professional discussions about hormone-based therapies, experts emphasize that while some women may experience benefits, most users may not see significant improvement, and some perceived gains can be linked to placebo effects or adjunct factors such as lifestyle changes or psychological techniques like self-hypnosis. A physician must conduct a thorough symptom assessment to determine the need for testosterone, as there is no universally normal blood testosterone level that applies to everyone. Blood tests are not routinely required to confirm the necessity of therapy; clinical judgment remains central to decision-making.
Testosterone is commonly delivered as a topical gel or cream. Practical safety steps include avoiding skin contact with pets and others after application, since the substance can transfer unintentionally through skin contact and influence hormone levels in those nearby. In domestic animals, exposure may lead to symptoms such as hair loss, mammary swelling, or other hormonal disturbances. For people, it is important to manage the treated areas carefully and to cover skin until the product has fully absorbed to minimize secondary exposure.
In past discussions about cosmetic or reconstructive procedures for the breast, rare complications have been noted, underscoring the need for ongoing research and patient education about potential risks and long-term outcomes. Clinicians stress the importance of ongoing monitoring and open communication between patients and providers to adjust treatment plans as new evidence becomes available.