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Testosterone cream for women: FDA status, uses and what to ask
Short answer
No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women in the United States. Women who are prescribed testosterone usually receive a compounded cream or a small fraction of a product made for men. A 2019 global consensus statement, endorsed by groups including The Endocrine Society and The North American Menopause Society, names one evidence-based use: hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), low sexual desire that causes distress, in postmenopausal women. A 2026 review in Cureus describes it the same way.
Key facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| FDA-approved testosterone for women in the US | None |
| What is used instead | Compounded creams, or a fraction of a product made for men, by prescription |
| Use named in the 2019 consensus statement | Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women |
| Prescription | Required; testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance |
FDA-approved options for low desire
Two FDA-approved medicines treat HSDD in premenopausal women: Vyleesi (bremelanotide), an injection used as needed, and Addyi (flibanserin), a daily pill. Neither contains testosterone. Ask a clinician which options fit your situation.
What to ask before using testosterone cream
Is this compounded, and which pharmacy makes it?
How many mg does each click or gram deliver, and where should it be applied?
How will my testosterone level be checked during treatment?
Who in my household could come into contact with the application site?
Frequently asked questions
Is there an FDA-approved testosterone cream for women?
No. No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women in the United States, so women's testosterone is usually compounded.
What is testosterone cream used for in women?
A 2019 global consensus statement names one evidence-based use: hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women.
Do women need a prescription for testosterone cream?
Yes. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance and needs a prescription.
Are there FDA-approved medicines for low sexual desire in women?
Yes. Vyleesi (bremelanotide) and Addyi (flibanserin) are FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women. Neither contains testosterone.
Sources
Controlled substance
Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. Prescribing rules, in-person examination requirements and refill limits vary by state and provider, and federal telehealth rules for controlled substances apply alongside state law. Nothing here claims a program can prescribe to you; this publication compares published prices and billing terms only.
This page summarizes published prescribing information and medical references on the dates shown. It is not medical advice and does not recommend a treatment.