Can testosterone boost a woman’s sex drive?

image via New Scientist

March 17, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •Testosterone can increase sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic function, and responsiveness in women.
• •Testosterone supplements are recommended for postmenopausal women with very low sexual desire that causes distress.
• •Testosterone supplements for women who might get pregnant can be dangerous due to the risk of masculinization of female fetuses.
• •Higher doses of testosterone can cause virilization: a deeper voice, excessive facial hair, and receding hairline.
• •Testosterone therapy is not the first line of treatment for low libido; a full evaluation of causes is necessary.
• •The effects of testosterone in women may be small and difficult to demonstrate compared to the effects in men.

This article explores the use of testosterone supplements for women, particularly in the context of increasing sexual desire. While testosterone can have positive effects on sexual function and is recommended for some postmenopausal women with low libido, it's not a universal solution. Experts caution that testosterone therapy isn't a quick fix and should be approached carefully, considering potential risks and the need for a comprehensive evaluation of underlying causes. Furthermore, the article highlights the limited availability and regulatory hurdles surrounding testosterone products for women in the United States.

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