Women across the country are turning to testosterone to feel like themselves again but with no FDA-approved product designed specifically for them, they’re left navigating a confusing landscape of options.
As Dr. Kelly Casperson explained on The Tamsen Show, the most common options available today include:
- Microdosing a male testosterone gel (like AndroGel)
- Using a compounded testosterone cream (often around 5 mg)
- Pellet implants, which release high doses over time
But not all options are created equal…
“Pellets are the highest dose and the most expensive way to get testosterone,” said Dr. Casperson. “You have to earn your pellet, meaning, you’ve tested lower doses, you tolerate them well, and you’re committed to that level of hormone for years.”
The risk? Pellets can lead to long-term androgenic side effects like voice deepening, facial hair, or hair thinning, especially if testosterone levels rise significantly over time.
For women who want to start slow, compounded creams or tiny doses of male gels offer more flexibility. These methods allow for careful titration and individualized treatment based on symptom response.
The key, Dr. Casperson stressed, is working with a provider who understands the unique needs of midlife women, not someone who’s just following male protocols.
If you’ve ever been handed a high-dose pellet without discussion or left measuring gel with your fingertip, it’s time to ask better questions.
Want to learn more? Listen to this episode of The Tamsen Show Podcast.
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