Menopause. For many women, it’s a phase defined by hot flashes, night sweats, and unpredictable moods. The conversation almost always centres on oestrogen, the primary female hormone whose decline triggers this life change. But a crucial part of the hormonal puzzle is often overlooked: testosterone.
The Unsung Hero: Testosterone’s Role in Women’s Health
Often mislabelled as a “male” hormone, testosterone is essential for women’s well-being. Produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, it plays a vital role in bone density, muscle mass, mood regulation, and cognitive function. And just like oestrogen, its levels plummet during menopause, contributing to a range of challenging symptoms.
For years, testosterone’s main claim to fame in menopausal care has been its ability to help with libido. A dwindling sex drive, clinically known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), is a common and distressing symptom. Global studies confirm that medically supervised, low-dose testosterone helps libido in menopause, reigniting desire and dramatically improving sexual satisfaction and quality of life for many women.
But the evidence is mounting that its benefits reach far beyond the bedroom. Leading gynaecologists and women’s health experts are now asking a critical question: can testosterone treat other symptoms of menopause?
More Than Just Libido: Other Menopause Symptoms Testosterone May Treat
The potential is enormous. Many women undergoing testosterone replacement therapy report significant improvements in symptoms that are often dismissed as just an inevitable part of ageing.
1. Clearing Brain Fog and Improving Cognition
That frustrating feeling of mental fog, struggling for words, or forgetting why you walked into a room is a common menopausal complaint. Preliminary research and overwhelming anecdotal evidence suggest testosterone can help sharpen focus, improve memory, and clear the cognitive haze that so many women experience.
2. Boosting Mood, Energy, and Motivation
While oestrogen therapy can help with mood swings, some women still struggle with persistent low mood, anxiety, or a general lack of enthusiasm. Testosterone plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters, and many users report a renewed sense of vitality, motivation, and overall well-being after starting treatment.
3. Protecting Muscle Mass and Bone Health
Menopause accelerates the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. As an anabolic hormone, testosterone helps build and maintain tissue. Supplementing it can help women preserve muscle strength, protect their bones, and support a healthy metabolism.
Why Isn’t Testosterone Therapy for Women More Common?
If the benefits are so promising, why aren’t more doctors prescribing it? The reasons are complex, particularly in a country like India.
- Historical Bias: A lingering fear of “virilisation”—developing male traits like a deeper voice or excess hair—is a major concern. However, when prescribed in female-appropriate doses and monitored by a qualified doctor, these side effects are very rare.
- Lack of Licensed Products: In India and many other countries, there are no testosterone products specifically licensed for women. This forces doctors to prescribe male-formulated products “off-label” in tiny, carefully calculated doses, creating a barrier for both physicians and patients.
- Lack of Awareness: The menopause conversation is still evolving. We need greater education for both the public and the medical community about the complete hormonal picture, which must include testosterone alongside oestrogen and progesterone.
The Way Forward: A Holistic Approach to Menopause
Testosterone is not a magic bullet or a supplement to be taken lightly. It is a powerful hormone that requires a doctor’s prescription, blood tests to confirm low levels, and careful, ongoing monitoring.
But for the woman struggling with a loss of vitality who feels like a shadow of her former self, it represents a beacon of hope. It’s time to advocate for a more holistic approach to menopausal care. The evidence is clear: testosterone is a vital player, and its role in treating a wide spectrum of menopause symptoms is a story that’s finally being told.
