Sherri Griggs, MSN, APRN-BC Schedule a free discovery call

Evidence library

Low Desire After Menopause Is Not a Character Flaw

It is one of the most common changes women report, one of the least often raised in a standard appointment, and one of the better-studied areas in menopause medicine.

What the research shows

A 2019 meta-analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology pooled 36 randomized controlled trials involving 8,480 women. It found that testosterone significantly improved the frequency of satisfying sexual events, along with desire, arousal, orgasm, and pleasure, while reducing sexual distress. The same review concluded that non-oral delivery routes are preferred, because they have a neutral effect on lipid profiles.

What this means for you

If desire has changed and it bothers you, that is a clinical conversation with real options behind it - not something to absorb quietly.

Important context

There is currently no FDA-approved testosterone product for women in the United States; use in women is off-label and typically involves compounded preparations. The same review noted that long-term safety data and effects beyond sexual function warrant further study. This is a decision to make with a provider who can walk you through what is and is not established. Individual results vary.

Schedule a free discovery call

References

  1. Islam RM, Bell RJ, Green S, Page MJ, Davis SR. Safety and efficacy of testosterone for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial data. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2019;7(10):754-766. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30189-5 Evidence A

Common questions

Is testosterone approved for women?
There is no FDA-approved testosterone product for women in the United States. Use in women is off-label and typically involves compounded preparations, which is something to discuss directly with your provider.
How strong is the evidence here?
The main analysis pooled 36 randomized controlled trials involving 8,480 women, which is a stronger evidence base than many treatments in any field of medicine can claim. Its findings are specific to sexual function.