5 Best Testosterone For Women 2023: Do They Really Work?
Reviewed by Elizabeth Gonzalez Cueto, MD
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| Product | Testogen | TestoPrime | Testofuel |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 stars |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 stars |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 stars |
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As women age, they notice their bodies change in ways they’re not used to. For example, they may feel weaker, experience menopause, and have a decreased sex drive. Sometimes, estrogen therapy won’t be enough to help with these changes. And unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid or permanently reverse the effects of aging.
In recent years, however, more women have considered undergoing testosterone therapy through supplements. Since testosterone boosters seem to be effective for increasing sex drive, among other things, for men, perhaps women can benefit from them.
With that in mind, this leads to an important question: Do testosterone supplements for women really work, and which ones are best suited for female use?
Best Testosterone Supplements for Women 2023
- Testogen – Editor’s Choice
- TestoPrime – Best Quality
- Testofuel – Best For Libido
- Hunter Test – Best For Muscle Building
- TestRX – Best For Energy
Testosterone therapy involves using supplements to increase testosterone production and levels in the body. Testosterone is known as the primary male sex hormone, meaning that most products of this nature are usually designed for men.
However, it is still possible for women to use them and reap their benefits of treating reduced sex drive and menopause or perimenopause symptoms. The main issue is that since testosterone isn’t as relevant to the female body, it’s much harder to determine whether or not they’re useful for women.
5 Best Testosterone Boosters For Women 2023
Testogen
Although it is designed primarily for men, women can still benefit from this supplement; it is both easy to use and effective in treating symptoms of low testosterone levels.
- May increase energy levels
- Available online without needing a subscription
- May be easier to lose weight and gain muscle mass
- Can cause allergy and diarrhea
- Might interact with other supplements and medications you are currently taking
Although Testogen is reported to have mixed customer reviews over whether or not it is effective, the company that makes this product advertises that it is beneficial for supporting healthy testosterone production. It is very easy to use – all you have to do is take four capsules each morning. This amount should be enough for a notable improvement in things that may be affected by low testosterone levels, such as energy, mood, focus, and vitality. It can even aid muscle growth, although this effect is observed more in men than in women.
TestoPrime
Made with natural ingredients, this testosterone booster supplement can increase women’s energy and mood.
- Contains a mix of vitamins that enhance health
- Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility
- Made with natural and clinically supported ingredients, all FDA approved
- High doses may not be healthy in the long-run
- TestoPrime is not designed with women in mind, and a woman is unlikely to experience the benefits that a male counterpart would
Although some customers say this product has a steep price, the health effects that these natural testosterone supplements provide seem to be worth the cost. It is also considered a viable source of vitamin D supplementation that can help build immunity, aid in muscle growth, and increase endurance for working out. The main problem with this product, however, is that it is designed specifically for men to use; even though it can provide health benefits for women, they are advised to refrain from using this product.
Testofuel
With over a million bottles of these testosterone supplements sold, this product supposedly elevates energy, mood, and even libido in those who consume it.
- Helps to achieve better hormone balance
- Made with natural ingredients
- Optimally dosed for use
- Higher price due to high-quality ingredients
Similar to TestoPrime, Testofuel’s supplements have a high cost that is justified by the high quality of the product. These pills mainly center around improving muscle growth in men who just can’t seem to get results by working out and eating plenty of protein; they help to increase muscle protein synthesis. However, some of its effects can benefit women looking to improve both their muscle growth and even their libido in the case of those with reduced sex drive.
Hunter Test
With its health benefits supposedly supported by scientific studies, this product allows for maximum results and minimal side effects.
- May improve menstrual cycles
- All-natural formula with minimal side effects
- Free from gluten, soy, and artificial colors/flavors
- Reported to be sold at a high price
- Designed specifically for older males
Although these testosterone-boosting supplements are designed for men, it is likely the safest one on this list for women to use, given their lack of side effects, as shown through clinical trials of the product. This product consists of nine very potent ingredients, such as D-Aspartic acid and Asian ginseng, that all help to boost testosterone naturally, even in women. Like many other supplements on this list, it also encourages muscle growth while allowing optimal hormonal balance.
TestRX
The plant-based formula of TestRX’s supplements allows for significant energy and muscle growth increases that can affect both men and women (but mainly for men, unfortunately).
- Contains natural ingredients, including ZMA
- No reported side effects
- Fast and efficient
- Designed primarily for men
Like many of the products listed here, these testosterone supplements are advertised for both improving energy and muscle growth. However, what sets this one apart from the others is its emphasis on the presence of zinc monomethionine aspartate[1] (ZMA), which further boosts the impact of the already-existing health benefits of this product. This also stands out from the rest as it is not as expensive as the other listed products, being sold in budget-friendly monthly supply packages.
What Happens If A Woman Takes Testosterone Pills?
If a woman takes testosterone supplements[2], they will likely experience improved sexual function, especially if they have a reduced sex drive that can’t be treated with estrogen therapy. Depending on the specific product use, it can also help women build more muscle if they so desire.
Please note that all products listed below are designed primarily for men, but they have some benefits for women even though they are not meant for female use.
What’s Testosterone Supplement?
Before discussing testosterone supplements further, it is essential to understand what testosterone itself is.
Testosterone[3] is the main male sex hormone, which is responsible for regulating several important processes in a man’s body: sex drive, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone can also be produced in a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands, but their testosterone levels are significantly smaller than their estrogen levels.
Thus, testosterone supplements[4] are substances that are used in testosterone therapy, which involves increasing testosterone levels in a person’s blood. Since testosterone is the main male sex hormone, these kinds of supplements are meant to be used by men whose bodies produce lower levels of the hormone. However, women can use these supplements to improve sexual function –namely hypoactive sexual desire disorder (or HSDD)– and treat symptoms of menopause/perimenopause.
How Do They Work?
When testosterone supplements are taken, they stimulate the production of luteinizing hormones[5] within the pituitary glands; these hormones aid in testosterone production in men while also triggering the production of steroid hormones from the ovaries. Not only does this increase production of testosterone, but it also allows for more of the hormone to be freely used within the body.
Most testosterone supplements come in the form of capsules meant to be taken orally, making them very simple and easy to use; you take these drugs the same way you take other capsules or tablets.
Natural Ingredients In Testosterone Boosters
According to expert Brenda Peralta[6] (RD), while some supplements may contain ingredients that have been claimed to have testosterone-boosting effects in men, not many studies have been performed on women, and the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients have not been well studied.
One of the few natural ingredients that show some signs of impacting testosterone levels in women is vitamin D. However, the exact relationship between vitamin D and testosterone is not well understood. Some studies have found that women with higher levels of vitamin D tend to have higher levels of testosterone, while others have found no association between the two. More research is needed to determine whether taking vitamin D supplements can boost testosterone levels in women.
What has been proven to help increase testosterone in women is to reduce stress, eat enough protein, and have a good night’s sleep. So supplements that help accomplish these goals will be vital if you want to optimize your natural testosterone levels.
For example, Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, zinc is involved in producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, ensuring you get enough zinc in your diet may help support healthy melatonin production and promote healthy sleep.
How To Choose The Best Testosterone Supplement
When choosing which supplement to buy, it is best to consider your personal needs and which ingredients will help fulfill them. For instance, women who want to focus on increasing their sex drive should look for testosterone supplements that contain either Ashwagandha or Asian ginseng extract.
Regardless, it is important to keep in mind that most testosterone supplements are designed specifically for men and may not be as effective for women.
Benefits Of Testosterone Supplement
The primary purpose of testosterone therapy via these kinds of supplements is to reverse signs and symptoms of aging[7] to some extent. These include changes in sexual function (including HSDD), physical changes in terms of muscle mass and strength, and even emotional changes in both males and females.
For older females specifically, testosterone supplements can also help treat common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause[8], such as irregular periods and mood changes. Other benefits of testosterone therapy in women include osteoporosis prevention, brain protection, and breast protection.
In cases of women who experience gender dysphoria, testosterone therapy can also help by changing how their body looks and works; testosterone therapy can cause women to have smaller breasts and significantly fewer menstrual periods.
Potential Side Effects
Like several other dietary supplements, testosterone boosters come with side effects[9]. There are no approved or commercially available testosterone products for women, which restricts their use. In addition, the testosterone doses employed and the mean serum concentrations of total testosterone achieved in women are supraphysiologic, causing in significant adverse effects like acne and hirsutism. Unknown are the long-term effects of these rather high blood testosterone concentrations. Other potential risks and side effects are listed below:
- Androgenic – Systemic testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women has been linked to acne and hirsutism increases, but not clitoromegaly, voice deepening, or alopecia.
- Lipids – Oral testosterone, but not parenteral or transdermal testosterone, is associated with a drop in blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations, which may increase cardiovascular risk.
- Endometrial consequences – Since the majority of androgens are aromatized to estrogens, hazards of estrogen therapy, such as endometrial hyperplasia, are also potential with androgen therapy. Some female testosterone users experience abnormal uterine hemorrhage.
- Pregnancy – It is also not recommended for women who are already pregnant to take testosterone as it can affect the development of the fetus.
Dosage
For adults, the dosage usually starts at around 225 milligrams (mg) twice a day. Depending on the effects of the starting dose and the level of testosterone concentration in your body, your doctor may change the dosage as needed.
Fortunately, some testosterone supplements are already optimally dosed, so consumers will not have to spend too much time calculating a proper dose.
Final Thought
Testosterone may be the main sex hormone for males, but that does not mean that women cannot benefit from testosterone therapy. With a variety of effective supplements to choose from, women can also work on increasing their sex drive and experience the same muscle-building effects. Testosterone is primarily used to treat issues with sexual desire, although all aspects of sexual function generally improve, including arousal and orgasmic response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Food and Drug Administration has not officially approved any testosterone preparations for women[10] as of yet and thus advises most women from taking any supplements if there are other options to treat their ailments. However, it can still be prescribed in some cases for off-label use for women.
In addition, it is proposed that postmenopausal women (natural menopause or bilateral oophorectomy) with a diagnosis of female sexual interest/arousal problem undergo a six-month trial on testosterone alone (Grade 2C). This method adheres to the Endocrine Society’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for Androgen Therapy in Women.
No, you can still get pregnant[11] while taking testosterone supplements, but it is not recommended to use during pregnancy.
While they are supposedly available as OTC drugs in pharmacies, most of the products we listed earlier can only be bought on each company’s websites.
+ 11 sources
MIDSS adheres to strict procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical associations. We work mainly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure the accuracy of the information. We avoid the use of tertiary references. You can read about how we ensure the accuracy and timeliness of our content in our editorial process.
- Wilborn, C.D., Kerksick, C.M., Campbell, B.I., Taylor, L.W., Marcello, B.M., Rasmussen, C.J., Greenwood, M.C., Almada, A. and Kreider, R.B. (2004). Effects of Zinc Magnesium Aspartate (ZMA) Supplementation on Training Adaptations and Markers of Anabolism and Catabolism. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 1(2). doi:10.1186/1550-2783-1-2-12.
- Donovitz, G.S. (2022). A Personal Prospective on Testosterone Therapy in Women—What We Know in 2022. Journal of Personalized Medicine, [online] 12(8), p.1194. doi:10.3390/jpm12081194.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2015). Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men. [online] Available at: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men#:~:text=Testosterone%20is%20a%20sex%20hormone,estradiol%2C%20a%20form%20of%20estrogen. [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Almaiman, A.A. (2018). Effect of testosterone boosters on body functions: Case report. International journal of health sciences, [online] 12(2), pp.86–90. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870326/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Nedresky D;Singh G (2022). Physiology, Luteinizing Hormone. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30969514/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- FeastGood.com – Workout Nutrition, Meal Prep, Diet Reviews. (2021). About Brenda Peralta – FeastGood.com. [online] Available at: https://feastgood.com/about/about-brenda-peralta/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728 [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Menopause – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Mayoclinic.org. (2022). Testosterone (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/testosterone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20461351?p=1#:~:text=Hypercalcemia%20(high%20calcium%20in%20the%20blood)%20may%20occur%20in%20patients,metallic%20taste%2C%20or%20muscle%20weakness. [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Pros and cons of testosterone therapy for women. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/testosterone-therapy/faq-20057935#:~:text=Testosterone%20preparations%20are%20not%20approved,has%20more%20than%20one%20cause. [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
- NHS Choices (2023). Testosterone and pregnancy. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/having-a-baby-if-you-are-lgbt-plus/testosterone-and-pregnancy/#:~:text=Testosterone%20and%20fertility,who%20is%20prescribing%20you%20testosterone [Accessed 3 Jan. 2023].
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