Testosterone has been to affect the sex drive for men and women and can help with a variety of sexual issues. However, the long-term use of testosterone for women is unknown, so many doctors hesitate to recommend it, and then only if the woman has sufficient estrogen levels to support testosterone therapy. There is little research on post-menopausal women or those who have had breast or uterine cancer, liver disease or cardiovascular issues, causing the medical profession to hesitate recommending its use.

However, for women, testosterone therapy may be recommended if there is reduced sex drive, fatigue and depression associated with menopause that hasn’t been relieved by estrogen therapy. It’s also used if the patient is taking estrogen therapy but has a decreased sex drive with no other apparent issues.

Testosterone therapy can be administered in gels, creams, patches or pills, each with its own levels of safety. It’s also worth noting that testosterone medications for women have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, so any recommendation would have to be for off-label uses.

Although testosterone plays a role in women’s sexual function, loss of libido may be attributed to vaginal dryness, decreased estrogen levels, chronic health conditions, medication effects, depression over the loss of a spouse or partner, conflict, stress, or moodiness.

If there’s a lack of interest in sex but the desire to have it is still there, it’s a good time to talk to a doctor. While there is no magic number for desire, its total absence is an issue unto itself and deserves some medical attention, if only to get to the root of the problem.

Treatment for Low Sex Drive

Before seeing your doctor, keep track of any sexual issues, including when you experience them and how often. This detailed information will help pinpoint certain conditions that may influence lack of libido.