Experts Caution Over Rising Testosterone Use in Women

The number of women prescribed testosterone for menopause-related symptoms has increased dramatically, rising eight-fold over the past five years to over 80,000 prescriptions last year. This trend is partly attributed to endorsements from high-profile figures such as Davina McCall and Dame Prue Leith, who have publicly credited testosterone for enhancing libido, mood, and combating brain fog.

However, menopause experts are raising concerns about this significant increase, suggesting that the surge is driven by 'hype' rather than proven necessity for many patients. They caution that widely promoted benefits regarding cognition, mood, bone strength, and muscle mass are misleading. Clinical trials have not substantiated these claims, and potential side effects like hair growth, acne, and voice deepening exist.

Current NHS guidance permits testosterone for low libido only when HRT is ineffective and other causes are ruled out. It is not specifically licensed for women in the UK, often leading to private prescriptions. The British Menopause Society highlights that trials have not shown testosterone to improve cognition, mood, energy, or musculoskeletal health, advising caution due to possible adverse effects.