In September 2026 the FDA convened its first public workshop on testosterone use in menopausal women, asking what the hormone can safely do for women’s health. While testosterone is not yet FDA‑approved for women, doctors have been prescribing it off‑label, with prescriptions to women nearly tripling from 2016 to 2025.
Hone Health analysis of 1,220 patients
Hone Health, a physician‑led longevity platform, examined symptom changes in 1,220 women who were taking testosterone but were not on estrogen or progesterone hormone therapy. Participants were in perimenopause or post‑menopause and completed the Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) at the start of treatment and again after a period of use.
The MENQOL scores range from 0 (no bother) to 6 (severe bother). Women in the study reported lower scores across 18 menopause‑related symptoms, with the most pronounced improvements in three areas:
- Sexual health: participants noted increased sexual desire and satisfaction.
- Energy and stamina: many reported feeling more energetic and less fatigued during daily activities.
- Physical strength: users experienced gains in muscle mass and overall physical endurance.
Dr. Natalie Kunsman, a family physician affiliated with Hone Health who specializes in hormone health and regenerative medicine, said, “Much of this doesn’t surprise me because it lines up with what we know testosterone is doing in the body.” She added that tracking a few symptoms is like looking through a keyhole when the hormone is influencing the entire system.
Why testosterone matters for women
Testosterone receptors are present throughout the female body – in the brain, muscles, bones and cardiovascular system. Although women’s testosterone levels decline with age, the drop is more gradual than the sharp declines in estrogen and progesterone that accompany menopause. This gradual decline can contribute to reduced libido, lower energy, loss of muscle tone and weight gain.
According to Dr. Kunsman, “Just because we don’t have testicles doesn’t mean we don’t need testosterone.” She argues that physiological dosing aimed at restoring a woman’s hormone levels to an optimal range for her age and life stage should be part of the broader hormone‑replacement conversation.
How patients can access therapy
Women experiencing low sexual desire, fatigue, loss of strength or unwanted weight gain are encouraged to discuss these symptoms with their physicians. If a doctor is hesitant to prescribe testosterone within the normal female range, telehealth companies that partner with physicians can provide guided testosterone therapy, including lab work and regular follow‑up appointments.
It is important to note that the Hone Health findings are observational. The study did not include a randomized control group, so the results show association rather than definitive proof of cause and effect. Prescription records reflect only the data captured within Hone’s system; some patients may have received hormones from other providers.
Regulatory outlook
The FDA’s workshop highlighted that the strongest evidence for testosterone in women currently supports treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Experts said more research is needed to confirm benefits for energy, mood, memory and muscle health before formal approval can be considered.
Nevertheless, the growing off‑label use and patient‑reported improvements suggest a rising interest in testosterone as a component of comprehensive menopause care.
For women considering testosterone therapy, the key steps are to obtain a thorough hormonal assessment, discuss dosing goals with a qualified physician, and monitor symptom changes over time using validated tools like the MENQOL.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
