Testosterone in Women: Symptoms, Evidence, Treatment and Who It May Help
Learn about testosterone in women, the evidence for treatment, who it may help,...
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Testosterone cream for menopause-related low libido
A testosterone cream specifically formulated for women with a precise, measured daily dose, prescribed only after careful assessment, baseline blood tests and ongoing monitoring.
Androfeme is a prescription-only medicine. Testosterone is usually considered for persistent low sexual desire that is causing personal distress, particularly where HRT alone has not helped and other possible causes have been considered.
Menopause-focused assessment
Precision-dosed testosterone cream for women
Baseline and follow-up blood tests
Realistic expectations and safety checks
Step-by-step support after prescribing
Quick product facts
Here are the key product details, with more information below on suitability, safety, application and monitoring.
Medicine type
Testosterone replacement cream
Active ingredient
Testosterone
Strength
1% / 10mg per ml
Common pack
50ml tube
Typical starting dose
0.5ml daily / 5mg
Approx duration
About 100 days at 0.5ml daily
Prescription needed?
Yes
Monitoring
Baseline and follow-up blood tests
Application video guide
Watch the video and follow the key steps to learn how to measure and apply Androfeme safely and correctly. Always follow the instructions provided by your LIVVE clinician.
Measure only the dose prescribed using the applicator supplied.
Apply to clean, dry and healthy skin on the upper outer thigh or buttock.
Rotate the application area each day.
Avoid applying perfume, deodorant, moisturiser or other skincare products to the treated skin, as these may affect absorption.
Massage the cream gently and evenly into the skin until it has been absorbed.
Allow the area to dry before dressing, then cover it with clothing.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream.
Avoid skin-to-skin transfer to children, partners or pets.
Do not apply Androfeme to broken skin or the genital area. Do not change your dose or application site without checking your dispensing instructions or speaking to your LIVVE clinician.
Symptoms and suitability
Low libido in midlife is often multifactorial. Before prescribing testosterone, a clinician should consider oestrogen levels, vaginal or bladder symptoms, relationship factors, stress, sleep, mood, pain, medicines and other health conditions.
Persistent low sexual desire
Reduced sexual interest that is ongoing and distressing to you.
Low arousal or pleasure
Reduced response, sensation or satisfaction that has changed from your normal.
Symptoms despite HRT
Low desire that continues after oestrogen/HRT has been optimised where appropriate.
Distress or relationship impact
Symptoms that affect confidence, intimacy or wellbeing.
After surgical menopause
Symptoms may be more noticeable after removal of both ovaries.
Other causes ruled out
Fatigue, mood and medication factors should be considered too.
What is Androfeme?
Androfeme® is a transdermal testosterone cream. It is applied to the skin and absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Unlike testosterone gels originally developed for men, Androfeme® is specifically designed for women and is supplied with an applicator to help measure an accurate daily dose. This helps keep testosterone levels within the normal female range and reduces the risk of unwanted side effects.
In menopause care, testosterone is usually considered after conventional HRT has been reviewed and low sexual desire remains a significant concern.
Where Androfeme fits
Some patients may have heard of testosterone gels that were originally developed for men being prescribed for women at carefully adjusted doses. Androfeme is one option your clinician may discuss with you. The right choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, blood results and treatment goals.
Androfeme: A female-specific testosterone cream prescribed where clinically appropriate.
Tostran: A testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a lower dose where clinically appropriate.
Testogel: A testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a lower dose where clinically appropriate.
Realistic expectations
Testosterone is not an instant libido switch. The first few months are about correct application, tolerability, symptom tracking and blood-test monitoring.
You may not notice much change yet. Focus on applying the correct amount consistently and watching for early side effects such as oily skin, spots or irritation.
Some people begin to notice changes in sexual desire, arousal, confidence or response. Others need longer.
This is the key review point. Your LIVVE clinician will look at symptoms, side effects and blood-test results before deciding whether to continue, adjust or stop.
If there has been no meaningful improvement despite correct use and safe blood levels, testosterone may not be the right treatment for you.
Your LIVVE pathway
We keep the process clear from the start, so you understand each step before treatment is prescribed.
We review symptoms, libido changes, menopause stage, medication, medical history and treatment goals.
Your clinician considers whether oestrogen, vaginal symptoms, mood, sleep, pain or other factors should be addressed first.
Baseline blood testing is completed within 3 months before starting treatment. Total testosterone is checked, and SHBG may provide additional information in selected cases.
If suitable, you receive dose instructions, application advice, side-effect guidance and planned follow-up testing.
Dose and duration
Androfeme 1% cream contains 10mg testosterone per ml. A common starting dose is 0.5ml daily, equal to 5mg testosterone per day. At that dose, a 50ml tube lasts about 100 days.
Your prescriber may adjust your dose based on symptoms, side effects and blood results. Do not increase the dose yourself.
| Prescribed dose | Daily testosterone | Approximate tube duration |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25ml daily | 2.5mg | About 200 days |
| 0.5ml daily | 5mg | About 100 days |
| 0.75ml daily | 7.5mg | About 66 days |
| 1ml daily | 10mg | About 50 days |
Higher doses require careful clinical justification and monitoring.
How to use Androfeme
Use the applicator to measure the dose your clinician has prescribed. Androfeme is usually applied to a clean, dry, hair-free area of skin such as the upper outer thigh or lower abdomen. Some people apply testosterone to the forearm, but this may increase the chance of transfer to others, so LIVVE will advise the most suitable application site for your routine.
Measure carefully: testosterone dosing for women is small. Use the supplied applicator and do not estimate by squeezing out a random amount.
Apply once daily at around the same time each day.
Use only the dose prescribed for you.
Rub in until absorbed and allow the cream to dry before dressing.
Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed, unless your leaflet or clinician advises differently.
Avoid washing, showering or swimming for at least 2 hours after applying.
Wash hands after application.
Avoid transfer to children, pets or partners.
Do not apply to genital skin, breasts, face or broken/irritated skin.
Suitability and safety
Your clinician will check whether testosterone is appropriate for you and whether other causes of low libido need addressing first. You should mention pregnancy possibility, breastfeeding, cancer history, liver disease, severe acne, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, voice changes, clot/cardiovascular history and all medicines or supplements you take.
Side effects
Most people tolerate carefully dosed testosterone well, but side effects are more likely if testosterone levels rise too high. This is why LIVVE includes blood-test monitoring as part of the pathway.
| Possible side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Oily skin or mild acne | Mention this at review, especially if it is worsening or new for you. |
| Increased facial or body hair | Tell your clinician; your level or dose may need checking. |
| Mood changes or irritability | Track when it started and discuss with LIVVE, especially if it feels out of character. |
| Headaches | Seek advice if new, persistent, severe or different from your usual pattern. |
| Scalp hair thinning | Contact your clinician promptly rather than increasing or stopping the dose yourself. |
| Voice deepening | Rare, but seek medical advice quickly as this can be serious and may not fully reverse. |
Blood-test monitoring
Testosterone should be kept within the female physiological range. Blood tests help your clinician check whether the dose is safe and whether symptoms match the blood picture.
If Androfeme is prescribed, LIVVE will remind you when your monitoring is due. In most cases, your blood test and treatment review need to be completed before your next prescription can be approved.
After prescribing
Starting treatment is only one part of the journey. LIVVE follow-up helps you understand expected timelines, side effects and when treatment may need adjusting.
Application instructions, transfer precautions, missed-dose advice and reassurance around careful measuring.
Check sexual desire, arousal, distress, wellbeing factors and any side effects before increasing dose.
Review testosterone results, SHBG/FAI, side effects and whether the dose is safe and clinically useful.
After prescribing
If Androfeme is prescribed, LIVVE will guide you through the next steps by email. You will receive support on delivery, how to apply your treatment safely, what side effects to look out for, what changes you may or may not notice, and when your blood-test monitoring is due.
Your prescription is checked and prepared by the LIVVE Pharmacy team. You will receive clear next-step information before your treatment arrives.
We explain what to check when your parcel arrives, how to store your treatment and what to read before your first application.
You will be guided on measuring your dose, applying the cream safely, washing your hands and reducing the risk of transfer.
We remind you when your blood test or treatment review is due, so repeat prescribing can be considered safely and without unnecessary delays.
If low sexual desire is affecting your confidence, intimacy or quality of life, LIVVE can help you understand whether Androfeme, HRT optimisation, vaginal treatment, blood tests or another approach may be most appropriate.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Androfeme is a prescription-only medicine and is supplied only if clinically appropriate after assessment. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your prescriber’s instructions. Seek medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms, side effects, abnormal bleeding or signs of testosterone excess.