Should Women Use Medication to Counter Lack of Libido?
Low sexual desire is a concern that touches many women at some point in their lives. For some, hormonal changes around menopause or stress from modern life cause sexual desire to ebb; for others, the loss feels deeper—like something vital has gone missing from their intimate lives.
Now there is a growing discussion about testosterone and other medications to boost libido which raises both hope and hesitation. Can a hormone pill, patch or gel rekindle desire? And if so, at what cost?
After all, testosterone is known to be the main hormone in boosting sexual desire in all humans. For men with low levels of testosterone, taking it can restore sexual desire and increase erectile function. And for men with normal levels but wanting to increase the number and strength of their erections, they have several pills readily available, including Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil).
Why women consider libido-enhancing medication
There are many reasons a woman might explore medical ways to revive her sex drive. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly falling levels of estrogen and testosterone after menopause, can blunt desire and arousal. Research has shown that lower androgen levels in women are linked with reduced sexual satisfaction and fewer orgasms (Davis et al., 2005 – PubMed)
The promise of testosterone
When testosterone therapy works well, the differences can be remarkable. Women often describe feeling more interested in sex, more responsive, and more confident in their bodies. In one study, women whose libido had been suppressed by antidepressants found that testosterone significantly increased their number of satisfying sexual experiences compared with placebo (Witham et al., 2014 – Journal of Sexual Medicine)
Side effects can also occur, particularly when doses are too high. Some women develop acne, unwanted facial or body hair, deepening of the voice, or clitoral enlargement. In rare cases, hair thinning or weight gain may appear.
Also, oral testosterone can negatively affect lipid levels—raising LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and lowering HDL (“good” cholesterol)—while versions applied to the skin seem to avoid much of this.
There are also potential concerns about liver effects, cardiovascular risk, and possible breast cancer implications, though evidence so far is mixed.
For post-menopausal women or those with surgical menopause whose loss of libido feels distressing and persistent, testosterone—especially when combined with estrogen—may be a valid option. This should always occur under the guidance of a clinician experienced in hormone therapy, using the lowest effective dose, be it by oral or transdermal (skin cream) delivery, combined with regular monitoring of hormone and lipid levels.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue testosterone should be personal and informed, balancing potential gains in wellbeing and intimacy against the uncertainties and side effects that remain.
For many women, the best path forward may be to combine medical support with open communication, stress management, and attention to emotional intimacy—the foundations on which genuine sexual desire often flourishes.
It’s also wise to temper expectations. Many women only experience moderate improvements, not a dramatic resurgence. As one review concluded, testosterone can enhance sexual satisfaction, but the overall effect can be modest (Islam et al., 2019)
The bottom line
Medications like testosterone can offer genuine help to women whose loss of desire has a hormonal basis. Yet they are not 
magic bullets. The decision to try hormone therapy should balance the hope of renewed vitality against the potential for side-effects and the uncertainties that remain.
Ultimately, the most satisfying sexual life tends to arise from a mix of factors: physical health, emotional closeness, self-confidence, and, when needed, well-supervised medical support. Libido, after all, is not just a hormone level—it’s the sum of how a woman feels in her body and her relationship.
References
Davis SR, Davison SL, Donath S, et al. Androgens and sexual function in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005.
Islam RM, Chavarro JE, Chao A, et al. Testosterone therapy in women with HSDD: a meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2019.
Witham TF et al. Testosterone increases satisfying sexual events in women on antidepressants: randomized trial. J Sex Med. 2014. Mayo Clinic.
Testosterone therapy for women: FAQ. 2024. Link