From the Guidelines
Testosterone supplements are not recommended for women without a medical need as they can cause significant adverse effects, including irreversible changes and increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Women who take testosterone without a medical indication may experience masculinizing effects, such as:
- Increased facial and body hair growth
- Deepening of the voice
- Male-pattern baldness
- Enlarged clitoris
- Acne These changes can be irreversible even after stopping supplementation. Additional side effects include:
- Mood changes
- Increased aggression
- Disrupted menstrual cycles
- Decreased fertility
- Potentially serious metabolic effects, such as increased cholesterol levels, liver problems, and heightened cardiovascular risks, as noted in a study published in the Journal Anaesthesia 1. Testosterone can also cause fluid retention, sleep apnea, and polycythemia (excessive red blood cell production). The typical therapeutic dose for women with medical needs is much lower than for men, usually 1/10 to 1/20 of male dosing, often delivered via creams, gels, or patches rather than injections or oral forms. These supplements alter the body's hormonal balance, which is carefully regulated, and introducing excess testosterone disrupts this balance by converting to estrogen or directly affecting androgen receptors throughout the body. If experiencing symptoms that might suggest hormonal imbalance, proper medical evaluation is essential before considering any hormone therapy, as recommended by the Journal of Urology 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Testosterone gel is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. Testosterone gel can cause virilization of the female fetus when administered to a pregnant woman. Inappropriate changes in genital size or development of pubic hair or libido in children, or changes in body hair distribution, significant increase in acne, or other signs of virilization in adult women should be brought to the attention of a physician and the possibility of secondary exposure to testosterone gel should also be brought to the attention of a physician The following adverse reactions have also been reported in women: hirsutism, virilization, deepening of voice, clitoral enlargement, breast atrophy, male-pattern baldness, and menstrual irregularities.
The effects of testosterone supplements on women without a medical need for them can include:
- Virilization: development of male characteristics such as excessive hair growth, deepening of the voice, and clitoral enlargement
- Hirsutism: excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back
- Menstrual irregularities: changes in menstrual cycle or cessation of menstruation
- Breast atrophy: shrinkage of breast tissue
- Male-pattern baldness: hair loss on the scalp
- Acne: increased risk of acne due to increased androgen levels These effects can be irreversible and may have long-term consequences on a woman's physical and emotional health 2, 2.
From the Research
Effects of Testosterone Supplements on Women
- Testosterone supplements are typically used to treat low testosterone levels in men, but their effects on women without a medical need for them are not well-studied 3.
- There is limited research on the use of testosterone supplements in healthy women, and most studies focus on men or women with specific medical conditions 3.
- However, it is known that testosterone plays a crucial role in the physiology of healthy individuals, including developing and maintaining muscle mass and bone density, as well as reproductive health 3.
Potential Risks and Consequences
- Taking testosterone supplements without a medical need can lead to an imbalance of hormones in the body, which can have negative consequences, such as acne, hirsutism, and male pattern baldness 4.
- Elevated levels of testosterone have also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and coronary heart disease 5.
- Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that early onset of puberty and certain baldness patterns may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk 5.
Lack of Research and Guidance
- There is a lack of research on the specific effects of testosterone supplements on women without a medical need for them, making it difficult to provide guidance on their use 3.
- Most studies on testosterone supplements focus on men or women with specific medical conditions, such as hypogonadism or androgenetic alopecia 3, 4.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of testosterone supplements on women and to provide evidence-based guidance on their use.