Women take testosterone for several medical reasons, mostly at low doses and usually under a doctor’s supervision.

Key reasons women use testosterone

  • To treat very low sexual desire (often called hypoactive sexual desire disorder) after menopause, especially when it causes distress or relationship strain.
  • To improve libido, arousal, and sexual satisfaction when estrogen therapy alone is not enough.
  • As part of hormone replacement therapy in peri‑ and postmenopausal women to help with energy, mood, and sometimes cognitive issues like brain fog, though evidence for these benefits is still mixed.
  • To support muscle mass and bone strength in women with low testosterone, since this hormone contributes to muscle and bone health as well as overall vitality.
  • For specific medical conditions where the ovaries or adrenal glands don’t produce enough testosterone, leading to fatigue, low libido, and reduced well‑being.
  • As part of gender‑affirming hormone therapy for some transgender and nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth and are transitioning toward a more traditionally masculine hormonal profile.

In short: women naturally make testosterone, and some take small supplemental doses when their own levels are low and symptoms (like low desire, fatigue, or mood changes) are significantly affecting quality of life.

How testosterone can help

  • Libido and sex: Moderate evidence shows improved desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women with distressing low libido.
  • Mood and brain function: Some women report better mood, motivation, and mental clarity, though these effects are not as consistently proven as the sexual benefits.
  • Body and energy: Potential improvements in energy, muscle strength, joint or muscle aches, and possibly bone density in women with low levels.

Risks and cautions

  • Possible side effects include acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, voice deepening, and changes in cholesterol.
  • Long‑term safety data (especially regarding heart disease and breast cancer) are still limited, so most experts recommend the lowest effective dose and regular monitoring.
  • Many products marketed to women are not well regulated, and compounded preparations can vary in strength, so using them without medical guidance can be risky.

If you’re wondering about yourself

  • Talk to a clinician experienced with women’s hormones (or a menopause/gender‑care specialist) before starting testosterone. Blood tests and a full symptom review help decide if it’s appropriate.
  • Be cautious of clinics or online services promising “miracle anti‑aging” or “instant energy” from testosterone alone; current evidence supports mainly its role in treating distressing low sexual desire in menopausal women, with other benefits still under study.

TL;DR: Women take testosterone mainly to treat distressing low sex drive after menopause and sometimes to help with energy, mood, and muscle or bone issues when their levels are low, but it should be carefully dosed and monitored because long‑term safety is not fully known.