It is the new trend that is igniting social networks, and the ally to get through menopause well: testosterone. So much so that it is sometimes presented as an elixir of youth. But what is the risk of overusing it?
The hormone that panics the web
On the networks, the influencers seem unanimous. On TikTok, Yolanda, a 53-year-old British woman, shares her “journey through menopause”. Faced with fatigue, reduced libido and low morale, she has a miracle solution: a few microdoses of testosterone. And here she is again in “the game”! His testimony has millions of views and arouses great enthusiasm.
She is of course not the only one. For several years, celebrities like Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow have also echoed this: according to them, testosterone is the key to remaining “energetic, desirable and confident” despite the years. Result: on the networks, the hashtags #hormonetherapy and #testosteroneforwomen are taking off. In the United States and England, private clinics are sniffing out the opportunity and offering “tailor-made” programs, often expensive… and rarely supervised.
What does testosterone really do?
Contrary to popular belief, testosterone is not an exclusively male hormone. In women, it is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It contributes to muscle mass, bone strength, and above all… libido.
But with age, its production naturally falls: at 60, a woman produces approximately half as much as at 30. Hence the idea of “compensating”. And it is true: testosterone does have a beneficial effect on the signs of aging.
But when consulted, Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist, wants to qualify this enthusiasm:
“Testosterone can be beneficial, yes, especially on libido and muscle mass. But it does not solve all the problems of menopause.”
She also recalls that the treatment is not officially authorized for women in France. “There is no official indication. So if we prescribe it, we are off-label (marketing authorization). And the first problem that arises is the dose.”.
Side effects not to be underestimated
Because if a small dose can give you a boost, too much testosterone can, on the other hand, make your life less beautiful. Acne, hair loss, excessive hair growth, deeper voice… all signs of virilization that betray excess. In addition, the cardiovascular effects remain poorly understood.
“Testosterone, especially if it is not bioidentical, increases cardiovascular risk”underlines Dr Bagot.
The danger therefore lies in the temptation of “hormonal tinkering” that accounts on networks advocate. Many women obtain the molecule via the Internet or foreign clinics, sometimes using diverted male gels. A practice “out of control”, according to the Guardianwhich reports that some British doctors now prescribe testosterone as first line, without checking the psychological or relational causes of libido disorders.
The mirror of medical discomfort
But if testosterone is so attractive, it is perhaps because it fills a void… Menopause remains a subject often neglected by medicine, surrounded by taboos and preconceived ideas. Many women feel abandoned by their symptoms, and turn to more “natural” or “modern” solutions.
What this new trend perhaps reveals is less a hormonal miracle than a lack of support. As Dr Bagot summarizes:
“It can be used on a case-by-case basis, for desire disorders. But testosterone does not replace hormonal treatment for menopause. And above all, this should be discussed with your doctor.”
Female testosterone is therefore neither a poison nor a panacea. Well dosed, it can restore tone and revive libido. Used incorrectly, it becomes a doping agent with unpredictable side effects. One thing is certain: playing with your hormones shouldn’t be decided just by watching a TikTok video.
FAQ – Testosterone and menopause: fad or real solution?
1. Can Testosterone Really Help During Menopause?
Yes, at low doses and under medical supervision. It sometimes improves libido and vitality. But it does not correct all the symptoms of menopause. The treatment remains without official authorization in France. Always talk to your gynecologist before using it.
2. What are the risks of excess testosterone?
Too much testosterone can cause acne, hair growth, a deeper voice, or hair loss. It could also increase cardiovascular risks, especially if it is not bioidentical. It is better to avoid any “hormonal tinkering” without medical monitoring.
3. Why this craze around female testosterone?
Because it responds to a feeling of medical abandonment. Many women are looking for alternative solutions to menopause. But this trend above all reveals a lack of listening and support, more than a real hormonal revolution.