Women’s Testosterone Prescriptions Rise 146%, FDA Review Planned
The FDA is reviewing the evidence on testosterone therapy for menopausal women as off-label use rises without an approved product, amid safety concerns and calls for standardized dosing. Meanwhile, prescriptions have surged, but patients face pharmacy delays and coverage gaps, with medical groups limiting use to women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and researchers preparing a public workshop to assess safety and efficacy.
Health · 9 sources · Sep 17, 2026Read itThe journal
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About testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in males. In humans, testosterone drives the development of male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. It is associated with increased aggression, sex drive, dominance, courtship display, and a wide range of behavioral characteristics. In addition, testosterone in both sexes is involved in health and well-being, where it has a significant effect on overall mood, cognition, social and sexual behavior, metabolism and energy output, the cardiovascular system, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty, accumulation of adipose fat tissue within the body, anxiety and depression, sexual performance deficits, and bone loss.
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