The complications of prescribing female testosterone

When it comes to women and testosterone, things can get a bit tricky. Many women start experiencing a drop in their testosterone levels in their mid-30s. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, and even a dip in libido. But here’s the catch: testing for testosterone levels isn’t part of the usual check-up routine for these symptoms. However, it can really shed light on what’s going on.

If you find out your testosterone is low and are considering therapy, be prepared for some bumps along the way. First off, there’s a serious lack of training among healthcare providers about prescribing testosterone to women. The only medical recommendation out there is for HSDD—Hyposexual Desire Disorder—better known as low libido. Even then, many doctors aren’t fully equipped to prescribe or monitor testosterone effectively. So if you’re thinking about this route, it might be up to you to kickstart that conversation.

Another hurdle is insurance coverage (or lack thereof). Since there isn’t an FDA-approved testosterone product specifically for women in the U.S., most insurance plans won’t cover it at all—you’ll likely be paying out-of-pocket.

And let’s not forget about the legal side of things! Testosterone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, which means doctors need special licenses to prescribe it. Each state has its own rules; for example, in Alabama, you have to see your doctor in person every year just to get that prescription renewed—you can’t do it via telehealth.

When it comes down to types of testosterone available for women—think pellets, injections, troches (those little dissolvable tablets), and creams—the options vary widely in terms of cost and side effects. It’s super important to chat with your clinician about what might work best for you because most prescriptions will be compounded rather than off-the-shelf products you get from your local pharmacy.

So if you're feeling those symptoms like low libido, irritability, fatigue, or brain fog creeping in during your 30s or beyond—it could very well be linked to low testosterone levels!

Don’t let these challenges discourage you from seeking help; now that you're aware of what might come up during your visits, you'll be better prepared! If you're located in Alabama and want personalized care regarding this issue, consider scheduling a quick consultation with 1981MD—we're here for you!

Click here to schedule a 20min complimentary consult