From the Research
Testosterone cream for postmenopausal women is typically prescribed at a dose of 300 µg/day, as shown to be effective in studies 1. The most recent and highest quality study supporting this dose is from 2010, which found that transdermal testosterone at a dose of 300 µg/day was effective in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing testosterone cream for postmenopausal women include:
- Starting with a low dose and adjusting as needed based on symptom response and hormone levels
- Applying the cream to thin-skinned areas like the inner thigh, inner arm, or lower abdomen, and rotating sites to prevent skin irritation
- Monitoring testosterone levels after 3-6 weeks of therapy, aiming for levels in the upper normal female range (not exceeding 70 ng/dL)
- Watching for side effects like acne, facial hair growth, deepening voice, and clitoral enlargement
- Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider every 3-6 months to monitor for adverse effects and adjust dosing as needed It's also important to note that testosterone is not FDA-approved specifically for women, but is often prescribed off-label for issues like low libido, fatigue, and poor concentration 2, 3, 4.