Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes of males and, in smaller amounts, in the ovaries and adrenal glands of females. It plays a role in the development and functioning of reproductive organs.
In females, testosterone is involved in sexual drive, energy levels, and bone density. In males, testosterone is responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and muscle mass.
Low testosterone may manifest differently in males and females. Age may also play a role.
In adult males, signs of low testosterone may include:
- reduced sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- chronic fatigue
- decreased muscle mass
- hair loss
- mood changes
In females, low testosterone may present as:
- reduced sex drive
- chronic fatigue
- hair loss
- mood changes
These symptoms may also have multiple other causes. Only a thorough consultation with a healthcare professional can explore the root cause of your symptoms.
Prescription medications to increase testosterone in males
If your medical professional determines you have low testosterone levels, they may recommend a treatment based on medications commonly known as testosterone boosters. The approach may change depending on the cause of low testosterone and your other health needs.
Your therapy may involve medications such as:
- Testosterone cypionate (Depo-testosterone): It requires an intramuscular injection every 2–4 weeks.
- Testosterone pump (Androderm or Androgel): The testosterone gel is applied topically to the back, abdomen, or upper arms once daily, with the specific dose determined by a healthcare professional.
- Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed): Intramuscular injections typically every 10 weeks.
- Testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl): Intramuscular injections every 2–4 weeks, depending on your needs.
Testosterone therapy may cause mild to severe side effects. It’s important that you use these medications only under a healthcare professional’s supervision and strictly follow their guidelines.
Commonly reported side effects of testosterone medications may include:
- worsened acne
- significant changes in mood
- headaches
- allergic reactions at the application site (for gels and pumps)
- fatigue
- physiological changes like infertility or small testicles
These side effects are more likely when the medications are misused.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Prescription medications to increase testosterone in females
Healthcare professionals often prescribe the same medications to treat low testosterone in females and males. However, testosterone therapy in females is less common, and doctors will carefully monitor and adjust treatment to avoid adverse effects.
Testosterone therapy in females is considered off-label therapy. Off-label means the professional uses the medication for purposes different than those specified on the label. This is often because clinical or research evidence suggests it may be helpful even if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved it yet for that purpose.
The decision to prescribe testosterone therapy to females with low testosterone is determined individually and carefully weighed against potential risks.
Possible side effects of testosterone medications may be similar in females than males. However, testosterone therapy may have different effects and risks in females due to innate physiological differences.
Female-specific side effects may include:
- increased facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
- voice deepening
- menstrual irregularities or cessation of menstruation
How long do testosterone boosters take to work?
The effectiveness and timeline for testosterone boosters vary widely depending on the product, baseline testosterone levels, and overall health.
Testosterone medications may start to show initial effects within 3–6 weeks. You may notice improvements in energy levels, mood regulation, and muscle mass.
Achieving the full therapeutic effects of the drugs, such as significant muscle gain, improved libido, or enhanced vitality, often requires several weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Many people take testosterone boosters for several months to a year or longer to maintain and build upon the gains in testosterone levels and associated benefits. However, doctors do not typically recommend testosterone for long-term use.
