Testosterone therapy for women

Testosterone can play an important role in sexual wellbeing, energy, cognition and muscle strength. Levels naturally decline with age, and some women continue to experience symptoms even after their HRT has been optimised.

LIVVE provides specialist assessment, blood testing, prescribing and ongoing monitoring to ensure treatment is appropriate and delivered safely.

Clear guidance. Specialist prescribing.
Start Consultation for Hormone Health
Hormone Health Consultation

Hormone Health Consultation

Specialist hormone health assessment.

Book now

Patient reviews

Trusted by patients across the UK.

Read experiences from patients using LIVVE menopause consultations and testosterone treatments.

Your LIVVE testosterone pathway

What happens from assessment to ongoing monitoring

A clear four-stage pathway shows what is required before treatment, when prescribing may take place and how treatment is monitored safely.

  1. Assessment and consultation

    Tell us about your symptoms, medical history, HRT, vaginal health, medicines and what you have already tried. Your clinician reviews low sexual desire in context and considers other possible causes.

  2. Baseline blood testing

    Total testosterone and SHBG are checked before treatment. Blood results support safe prescribing but do not diagnose testosterone deficiency on their own.

  3. Treatment and support

    If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician recommends the most suitable option and explains dosing, application, possible side effects and safe use.

  4. Review and monitoring

    Review and blood testing take place at three months, again six months after the first review and then every 12 months while treatment continues.

Treatment options

Testosterone products LIVVE may prescribe

Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms, medical history, blood results, application preferences and treatment plan. Medicine prices vary and will be clearly explained before a prescription is issued.

Female-specific formulation

Androfeme 1% cream

A female-specific testosterone cream prescribed where clinically appropriate.

Androfeme 1% testosterone cream 50ml box
  • Female-specific formulation
  • Measured applicator
  • Imported from Australia
Learn about Androfeme

Off-label use in women

Tostran 2% gel

A metered-pump testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a much lower dose.

Tostran 20mg/g transdermal testosterone gel 60g
  • Metered pump gel
  • Clinician-directed female dosing
  • Originally licensed for men
Learn about Tostran

Off-label use in women

Testogel

A testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a lower dose where clinically appropriate.

Testogel Sachets 30 sachets 40.5mg and Testogel Pump 16.2mg/g
  • Testosterone gel format
  • Clinician-directed female dosing
  • Originally licensed for men
Learn about Testogel

NEED-TO-KNOW FAQs

Testosterone Therapy.

Could testosterone therapy be right for you?

Testosterone may be considered if you:

  • Are postmenopausal or in later perimenopause
  • Have already optimised your HRT where appropriate
  • Continue to experience persistent low sexual desire causing personal distress
  • Have symptoms that cannot be explained by another medical condition

The strongest evidence supports testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women with persistent low sexual desire (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder). Some women also report improvements in energy or concentration, although the evidence for these benefits is less consistent.

Every consultation includes a full clinical assessment to determine whether testosterone is appropriate for you.

Related guide:
Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Evidence, Treatment and Who It May Help

Could testosterone therapy be right for you?

Testosterone may be considered if you:

  • Are postmenopausal or in later perimenopause
  • Have already optimised your HRT where appropriate
  • Continue to experience persistent low sexual desire causing personal distress
  • Have symptoms that cannot be explained by another medical condition

The strongest evidence supports testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women with persistent low sexual desire (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder). Some women also report improvements in energy or concentration, although the evidence for these benefits is less consistent.

Every consultation includes a full clinical assessment to determine whether testosterone is appropriate for you.

Related guide:
Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Evidence, Treatment and Who It May Help

Do I need a consultation and blood test before starting testosterone?

Yes. Testosterone can only be prescribed following a clinical consultation to assess your symptoms, medical history and current treatment. A baseline blood test is also required before treatment, followed by repeat testing as part of ongoing monitoring.

Related guide:
Testosterone Blood Tests for Women

Do I need a consultation and blood test before starting testosterone?

Yes. Testosterone can only be prescribed following a clinical consultation to assess your symptoms, medical history and current treatment. A baseline blood test is also required before treatment, followed by repeat testing as part of ongoing monitoring.

Related guide:
Testosterone Blood Tests for Women

Can testosterone be used alongside HRT?

Yes. Testosterone may be considered alongside HRT when persistent low sexual desire remains a problem after appropriate assessment and optimisation of oestrogen treatment where needed. Your clinician will also consider other possible causes before deciding whether testosterone may be appropriate.

Related guide:
HRT or Testosterone for Menopause: Which Treatment Might You Need?

Can testosterone be used alongside HRT?

Yes. Testosterone may be considered alongside HRT when persistent low sexual desire remains a problem after appropriate assessment and optimisation of oestrogen treatment where needed. Your clinician will also consider other possible causes before deciding whether testosterone may be appropriate.

Related guide:
HRT or Testosterone for Menopause: Which Treatment Might You Need?

What side effects can testosterone cause?

Possible side effects include acne, increased facial or body hair and, less commonly, scalp hair thinning or voice deepening. The risk is reduced by using a female-appropriate dose and monitoring symptoms and blood-test results regularly.

Related guide:
Testosterone Side Effects in Women

What side effects can testosterone cause?

Possible side effects include acne, increased facial or body hair and, less commonly, scalp hair thinning or voice deepening. The risk is reduced by using a female-appropriate dose and monitoring symptoms and blood-test results regularly.

Related guide:
Testosterone Side Effects in Women

Testosterone Hub

Helpful testosterone and low libido guides

You may also find these related guides helpful if you want to understand low libido, testosterone blood tests and treatment monitoring in more detail.

Your next step.

If you are navigating perimenopause, menopause, or complex hormonal symptoms and feel something has been missed, a LIVVE consultation can bring clarity.

If you are a trans man experiencing menopausal symptoms and want clinically grounded, respectful care, support is available.

Start with understanding. Adjust with expertise.

Start Consultation for Hormone Health