Testosterone Prescriptions for Menopausal Women Rose Sharply
Rates of off-label testosterone use surged by 389.6% as women seek relief for menopause symptoms.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Women’s Health
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Between January 2018 and July 2026, testosterone prescriptions in the United States increased from 0.4 to 1.8 per 1,000 women. This significant rise highlights a growing trend among women in perimenopause and menopause looking for alternative symptom management.
Why it matters
The rise in use reflects a systemic gap in care, specifically the lack of testosterone products formulated and approved for this demographic. As patients navigate these changes, understanding the limits and monitoring requirements of off-label use is essential for informed clinical discussions.
A retrospective analysis of US prescription data showed a 389.6% rise in testosterone use among women from 2018 to 2026. While global guidelines support off-label transdermal testosterone specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, research confirms it does not address mood, energy, or hot flashes.
The players
Health Canada
The federal agency responsible for national public health policy and the regulation of pharmaceutical approvals.
The details
Because no testosterone formulations are specifically approved for women, clinicians often prescribe approximately one-tenth of a standard male transdermal dose. To ensure exposure remains within a physiological range, patients must undergo blood tests for total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin. Regular monitoring is required to manage side effects, which may include acne, oily skin, and increased facial or body hair.
Timeline
January 2018 marked the start of the data analysis period for prescription rates in the United States.
July 2026 served as the end of the data analysis period for these prescription trends.
Patients require an initial blood level check 6 weeks after starting treatment.
Clinicians should assess if therapy provides meaningful benefit at 6 months to determine if it should be stopped.
Health Landscape
The clinical management of menopause currently faces a significant gap, with very few options designed specifically for the hormonal changes experienced by this population. This surge in off-label use underscores the ongoing challenge of treating symptoms when evidence-based, purpose-built medications are unavailable.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, discuss with your doctor whether evidence-based treatments are appropriate for your specific needs. It is important to remember that testosterone is not a proven therapy for mood, sleep, or hot flashes, and it carries specific side effects like acne.
The takeaway
Testosterone therapy is not a comprehensive solution for menopause symptoms, and its off-label use requires strict physiological monitoring to prevent risks. If you are considering this path, work with your physician to track side effects and discontinue use if no meaningful benefit is seen at 6 months.
Further reading
For more on managing midlife health, visit our Women’s Health section.
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Do you trust the medical evidence regarding the use of testosterone to treat menopause symptoms?
