By: Dr. Stephanie Peltz ND, MSCP
If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably noticed that testosterone is having a moment in women’s health. I’m hearing about it in clinic too. More and more women are asking whether testosterone might help with energy, mood, muscle, brain fog, libido, or simply feeling more like themselves again. I understand the curiosity. More attention to women’s hormones is long overdue, and I’m encouraged that conversations about menopause and hormonal health have become more mainstream. At the same time, I think it’s important to slow down and separate enthusiasm from evidence.
What Does the Evidence Actually Say?
Current evidence strongly supports testosterone therapy for one specific indication: appropriately assessed postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
For many of the other benefits being discussed online, including improvements in energy, mood,
cognition, or muscle, the evidence is currently much less clear. That doesn’t mean testosterone has no role outside of HSDD. It means we don’t yet have strong evidence to routinely recommend it for those indications.
What About Canada?
Another important point is that there is currently no testosterone product approved specifically for women in Canada. Women who are prescribed testosterone are using it off-label under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. As naturopathic doctors, we cannot currently prescribe testosterone directly. When testosterone appears to be an appropriate option, we work collaboratively with physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure patients receive the care they need.
Sexual Health Matters
One thing I don’t want this conversation to do is minimize the importance of sexual health.
One of my mentors once shared that she wished she had paid as much attention to her patients’ sexual health as she did to their digestive health. That has stayed with me throughout my career.
Changes in sexual desire can have a significant impact on quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. They deserve thoughtful assessment rather than dismissal.
The Bottom Line
My goal isn’t to discourage women from exploring testosterone. It’s to encourage thoughtful conversations based on the best available evidence rather than the latest social media trend. If you’re wondering whether testosterone has a place in your care, start with a comprehensive
assessment. Understanding your symptoms, goals, medical history, and the current evidence is the best way to decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
If you’re curious about whether low sexual desire may represent hypoactive sexual desire disorder, the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener can be a useful conversation starter with your healthcare provider. Remember, it’s a screening tool, not a diagnosis. As research continues to evolve, so will our understanding of where testosterone fits into women’s healthcare. I’ll certainly be watching closely.
– Dr. Stephanie Peltz, ND, MSCP
