# Testosterone cream for women: FDA status, uses and what to ask

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**Sources checked:** 2026-11-06
**Publisher:** Open Water RX LLC

By Open Water Rx Editorial Team. Published November 6, 2026. Sources checked November 6, 2026.

## 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

- [Davis SR et al., Global consensus position statement on the use of testosterone therapy for women, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2019 (PubMed 31498871)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31498871/)
- [Testosterone therapy in women: a literature review, Cureus, 2026 (PMC13157292)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13157292/)
- [Vyleesi prescribing information, DailyMed](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f1d0c1b5-2f39-4bad-a6a4-0066e3ad5dcf)

## Related

- Testosterone cream for men: https://trtbuyerguide.com/learn/testosterone-cream

## Publisher

Open Water RX LLC publishes this guide, GLP1BuyerGuide.com and HRTBuyerGuide.com, and operates Surfbound Health, a consumer telehealth brand. Surfbound Health is not a provider in this edition and takes no part in its ranking.

This page summarizes published prescribing information and medical references on the dates shown. It is not medical advice and does not recommend a treatment.