29.07.2026

Testosterone During Menopause

What Women Should Know

By Dr. Rahel Sahli, MD, Endocrinologist, Ärztezentrum Ittigen

When people talk about testosterone, most think of men. Yet testosterone is also an important hormone for women and can even be therapeutically relevant in certain situations during menopause.

In this article, you’ll learn about the role testosterone plays in the female body, when therapy is appropriate, and what its limitations are.

Testosterone in Women—An Underestimated Hormone

Women produce testosterone in significantly smaller amounts than men, yet it plays a role in libido, energy, muscle mass, and overall well-being. Unlike estrogen and progesterone, testosterone levels do not drop sharply during menopause: The ovaries and the adrenal cortex continue to produce testosterone, even after menopause.

When is testosterone therapy appropriate for women?

The only officially recognized indication for testosterone in postmenopausal women is what is known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)—a persistent, distressing loss of libido that impairs quality of life.
Testosterone is not approved or recommended for premenopausal women, for PMS/PMDD, or generally as a treatment for fatigue.

How is testosterone used in women?

The treatment is administered transdermally—as a gel applied to the skin. The dosage is approximately 300 micrograms per day, which is significantly lower than for men. Regular follow-up measurements are essential to ensure that levels remain within the normal range for women.

What can therapy achieve—and what can't it?

Scientifically proven: Testosterone can improve libido in postmenopausal women with HSDD.

No evidence: Testosterone does not help with fatigue, muscle pain, or hot flashes. For these symptoms, traditional hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone is the first-line treatment.

Possible Side Effects

If there is no improvement after six months or if bothersome side effects occur, I recommend discontinuing the treatment.

Slightly oily hair

Blemished Skin

Slightly increased body hair

What about the risk of breast cancer?

We still lack long-term data on the risk of breast cancer associated with testosterone. In the short term, the risk does not appear to be increased. However, testosterone is contraindicated in women with a history of hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Conclusion

Testosterone can be a useful supplement to hormone therapy for certain women going through menopause, but only after a thorough evaluation and with a clear medical indication. It is not a cure-all.

Do you have questions about hormone therapy during menopause?

Schedule an appointment now at the Ittigen Medical Center and receive personalized advice on hormone therapy.

Dr. Sahli studied medicine at the University of Zurich and graduated in 1994. After completing her residency at various renowned hospitals in Switzerland, including the Inselspital in Bern, she earned her board certification in Endocrinology and Diabetology in 2005 and in Internal Medicine in 2007. From 2008 to 2011, she served as a senior physician at the University Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Clinical Nutrition at Inselspital Bern. She then worked at the STEPS Metabolic Center in Biel and, starting in 2014, at the Sanacare Group Practice in Bern. In addition to her clinical work, she is active in various professional committees and has many years of expertise in the fields of diabetes, metabolic disorders, and endocrinology. She joined the team at the Ittigen Medical Center in 2026 and brings her extensive experience to the care of her patients.

Ärztezentrum Ittigen

Dr méd. Rahel Sahli

Spécialisation
Médecine interne générale, Endocrinologie Diabétologie,

Hôpitaux

Centres

Pour les patients

À propos

Soins intégrés