Can Testosterone Cream Help Women's Libido? Benefits and Risks

Using Testosterone Therapy to Treat Low Sex Drive in Women

Loss of libido is a common issue many women face, especially after menopause. Researchers are finding that testosterone therapy in the form of gels, creams, or patches may help restore sex drive in some women with low sexual desire.

What Causes Low Sex Drive in Women?

There are many potential causes of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or inhibited sexual desire in women, including:

• Menopause and lowered estrogen levels
• Other hormone imbalances like thyroid issues or high prolactin
• Pain or difficulty with sexual activity
• Certain medications and drugs
• Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Dissatisfaction in relationships
• Fatigue and high stress

For many women, declining testosterone also plays a role as they age. Testosterone is tied to libido and sexual responsiveness in women. Using testosterone therapy like gels or creams may help some women regain arousal and interest in sex.

Testosterone's Effects in Women

Testosterone is often thought of as a “male” sex hormone. But women’s bodies produce testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It’s involved in bone health, muscle maintenance, mood regulation, and of course, sex drive.

Some research estimates up to a quarter of women over age 50 may experience lowering testosterone levels. This deprivation of testosterone is believed to negatively impact many aspects of female health—especially sexual functioning.

Studies demonstrate bringing testosterone levels back up into the normal range can have positive effects like:

• Increased sexual thoughts, fantasies, and motivation for sex
• More natural vaginal lubrication
• Enhanced sexual sensation and ability to achieve orgasm

There also seems to be related improvements in overall well-being, energy, and mood balance when testosterone is replenished.

Who Might Benefit from Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is only appropriate for women with clinical symptoms of low hormone levels. It should never be used for normal age-related declines in sex drive.

According to medical guidelines, women who experience mental or physical distress because of diminished sex drive may be candidates if they have low testosterone. This includes conditions like:

• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
• Female sexual interest arousal disorder (FSIAD)
• Female orgasmic disorder

Only women who still have a uterus will be prescribed testosterone. Those who have had hysterectomies may use higher dose replacement without risk of unwanted masculinization.

Benefits of Testosterone Creams

When prescribed appropriately, clinical research suggests benefits of testosterone therapy include:

• Restored sex drive: Most women using approved testosterone gel or cream report increased desire for sex and sexual activity.
• Enhanced arousal and orgasm: Testosterone improves blood flow and sensation in sexual tissues to heighten sexual pleasure.
• Less pain with intercourse: By improving vaginal lubrication issues, sex often becomes less uncomfortable.
• Better energy and mood: Stabilizing testosterone often reduces fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbances.

Because treatment is applied as a topical gel, patch, or cream, amounts can be precisely controlled. When dosed correctly, testosterone blood levels raise just enough to relieve symptoms without going too high.

Potential Side Effects

Used at prescribed doses, testosterone therapy is generally well tolerated. However, some women may experience:

• Headaches, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Mild fluid retention
• Hair growth, acne

These side effects often resolve quickly. But if severe or persistent, doctors may adjust dosage amounts.

There are also concerns with long term use of testosterone increasing heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer risks in women. But current research has not found definitive links at low treatment doses.

The Bottom Line

Loss of testosterone is a common but overlooked cause of low libido in peri and post-menopausal women. Applying testosterone as a cream or gel can effectively treat low sex drive when it’s due to hormonal causes.

However, testosterone therapy carries a risk of masculinization side effects. It also lacks long-term safety data. Using the lowest dose possible to relieve deficient symptoms is important.

Overall, testosterone creams and gels seem reasonably safe for short term use in appropriate women suffering from low sexual desire or arousal disorders.

Of course, addressing any underlying physical or emotional issues contributing to low sex drive is also important. But for many women, balancing declining testosterone levels may play a big role in restoring satisfaction with their sexuality.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.