New Guidelines Limit Testosterone Supplements for Women - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health (2024)

FAQs

Can I take testosterone supplements as a woman? ›

In the United States and many other countries, government agencies that regulate medicines haven't approved testosterone therapy for women. But it can be prescribed if it might have a medical benefit for someone. Testosterone comes in many forms.

Although studies have shown that testosterone can be beneficial in women not using concomitant estrogen containing hormone therapy, the incidence of adverse androgenic effects such as acne and excess hair growth is higher; this strategy is therefore not usually recommended in routine clinical practice.

Evidence from multiple studies indicates that testosterone has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, with the potential to promote improved mood and mental health in both men and women [10,13,14].

Testosterone Replacement and Depression

The effect was especially beneficial in men who only recently started to experience a decrease in mood. Testosterone replacement in men with hypogonadism not only improves mood, but also cognitive ability and libido.

On the other side, also an association between higher testosterone levels and anxiety has been shown in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (state of hyperandrogenism) (15).

I accepted the range of 80-120 to be a safe and desirable range for women. And my anecdotal experience since then is that they were correct. This was the range that helped women feel relief of “low T” symptoms such as night sweating, poor quality sleep, daytime fatigue, mental fog, moodiness and reduced libido.

Some women with high testosterone levels develop frontal balding. Other possible effects include acne, an enlarged cl*tor*s, increased muscle mass, and deepening of voice. High levels of testosterone can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Published evidence from randomized controlled trials, although limited, indicates that exogenous testosterone, both oral and nonoral formulations, has a positive effect on sexual function, primarily desire, arousal, and org*smic response, in women after spontaneous or surgically induced menopause.

For women, testosterone has the power to decrease fat mass, but it can also promote insulin resistance – thus causing belly fat. As testosterone levels drop, previously youthful women begin aging rapidly, often becoming overweight and more passive. Women with low T feel tired and lazy and gain weight easily.

Abstract. Testosterone modulates mood and sexual function in women. However, androgen levels decline with age, which may relate to the age-associated change in sexual functioning and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. These effects of testosterone are potentially mediated by the amygdala.

What are the emotional effects of taking testosterone? ›

Does Testosterone Boost Risk of Depression and Suicide? Some physicians advocate testosterone supplementation to give men "new vigor." However, a recent large study links T supplementation to increased risk of depression and suicide.

When used this way, without proper medical supervision, testosterone has been linked to unwanted side effects such as mood swings and aggressive “roid rage.”

This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed.

Testosterone supplementation can increase muscle mass and strength in women. Improved mood and energy levels: Testosterone plays a role in regulating mood and energy levels, and low levels of this hormone can lead to fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

A doctor may administer testosterone injections or pellets, expecting these treatments to have the same effect on females as on males: raising energy levels, decreasing fatigue, and increasing sex drive. However, many doctors advise females not to take testosterone.

Even brief, 5 minute interactions with (attractive) women cause an elevation in men's testosterone levels, in particular among men with an aggressive dominant personality (Van der Meij, Buunk, Van de Sande, & Salvador, 2008) .