Written by Lauren Lund, APRN-CNP

Reviewed by Laurianne Scott, DO

When we hear "testosterone," most of us immediately think of men. But what many people don’t realize is that testosterone is also a vital hormone for WOMEN. While women naturally have lower levels than men, testosterone still plays an important role in female health — and for some women, testosterone therapy may be the missing piece in their wellness journey.

Testosterone's Role in Women

Testosterone is one of the androgens, or "male" hormones, but both men and women produce it. In women, it's produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and contributes to:

• Sex drive (libido)
• Bone density and strength
• Muscle mass and strength
• Mood and energy levels
• Cognitive function

As women age — particularly during and after menopause — testosterone levels can decline, just like estrogen and progesterone. For some, this hormonal shift can lead to symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.

Low Testosterone in women can also happen at other stages of the life continuum and can cause symptoms for women even in their 20S AND 30s.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Comprehensive lab testing (including serum estradiol, free and total testosterone, progesterone, and thyroid function) is essential to determine candidacy. You may be a candidate for testosterone hormone therapy if you experience the following symptoms:

• Low libido or sexual dissatisfaction
• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Depressed mood, anxiety or irritability
• Loss of muscle tone or increased body fat
• Cognitive decline or brain fog
  
  

Pink bars represent the ‘normal’ range of testosterone levels in women. 95% of women will have levels within this range.

The line indicates the median, or middle value. Half of women will have a testosterone level below this value (1).

Am I a Candidate for Testosterone?

Before starting hormone replacement therapy, a healthcare provider will typically evaluate hormone levels and review symptoms. You may particularly be a good candidate if you are:

• Postmenopausal women with low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Women who have had their ovaries removed (surgical menopause)
• Women with adrenal insufficiency
• Women who haven’t responded well to estrogen therapy alone

Testosterone Prescriptions for Women

Testosterone therapy can be administered in several forms, including pellet implants, topical creams, and injectable formulations. Testosterone cream is a topical hormone replacement therapy that delivers testosterone through the skin and into the bloodstream. Testosterone creams are typically applied to the inner thigh or inner calf. Testosterone creams offer an easily customizable and adjustable method of hormone delivery.

*Check with your MOBO provider on what types of testosterone therapy they offer.

Testosterone Pellets

Hormone pellet therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in various areas of women’s health, particularly during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Many people seek the use of hormone pellets due to it's benefit of consistent hormone levels. Pellet therapy provides a steady, physiologic dose of hormones, which reduces the fluctuations that can occur with oral or transdermal therapies. This stability is key in reducing symptoms and improving patient adherence. 

Testosterone pellets have been used for hormone therapy in women since approximately 1940. There is no FDA approved Testosterone therapy for women, however there is FDA approved testosterone pellets for men called "Testopel." Testosterone pellets are ‘compounded’ as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and are used ‘off label’ in women. Bioidentical pellets are derived from plant sources (such as yams) and are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body.

Off label use means testosterone is an approved drug legally prescribed by a provider but has not been specifically approved for use in women by the FDA.

1. Initial Consultation: A thorough review of your symptoms, health history, and lab work.

2. Pellet Insertion: A minor in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia to ease any discomfort. Pellets are placed via a small incision, typically in the hip or buttocks.

3. Pellet Aftercare: No vigorous physical activity for 48 hours following the procedure. No water immersion for 5 days. You may remove the dry dressing and shower the next day. Leave the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own.

4. Notice Results: Most women notice results within 2 weeks.

5. Follow-up: Hormone levels and symptoms are re-evaluated after post-insertion, with ongoing monitoring and replacement with new pellets every 3–6 months.

A Personalized Approach to Hormone Health

Hormone pellet therapy is a science-based, long-acting, and individualized treatment option for women seeking relief from hormone-related symptoms. By restoring hormone levels in a physiologic and consistent manner, pellet therapy can improve quality of life across multiple domains—physical, emotional, cognitive, and sexual.

As with any medical treatment, a personalized approach is key. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, consult with your MOBO Medical Spa provider to explore whether hormone pellet therapy is appropriate for you.

References

1. Davison, S.L., Bell, R., Donath, S., Montalto, J.G., Davis, S.R. (2005). Androgen Levels in Adult Females: Changes with Age, Menopause, and Oophorectomy. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 7, 3847-3853.