Study identifies effective testosterone dose for women
Testosterone applied to the skin has been demonstrated to improve sex drive in women. However, there has been uncertainty about the optimal dose—one that works well without unacceptable side effects.
No form of testosterone is FDA-approved for women in the United States, so physicians often have testosterone patches, gels, or creams prepared at compounding pharmacies for women who want to increase their libido. This study gives them a dosage range to aim for. But it doesn't say anything about the risks or side effects of prolonged testosterone use in women. If you're contemplating using it, proceed with caution.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
