With influence from social media, physicians are noticing a growing number of women asking for testosterone prescriptions, NBC News reported Nov. 10.
Testosterone is naturally present in men and women, though the hormone level is typically 15 times higher in men. In women, testosterone affects libido, cognitive function, fertility, muscular health and energy.
In recent years, more women in their 40s and 50s are pursuing testosterone treatments for perimenopausal symptoms and to increase sex drive, according to the report.
Amy Voedisch, MD, an OB-GYN at Stanford Medicine in Palo Alto, Calif., told the outlet she has seen a sharp rise in middle-aged women asking for testosterone therapy in recent years.
"It feels almost like an epidemic," said Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, MD, chief medical officer for Gennev, a telemedicine company for menopause care, in reference to middle-aged women seeking testosterone.
On social media, testosterone therapy for women has been promoted as a treatment for low energy, low libido, mood changes, brain fog and muscle mass improvement.
"They're being told this is the miracle-drug pill that they've been looking for," Dr. Dunsmoor-Su told NBC News. Few of these claims are evidence-based.
Physicians may prescribe testosterone to women for low sex drive if other factors, such as stress and lack of emotional closeness, are ruled out. Side effects are rare, but women taking higher doses may experience acne, male-pattern baldness or excess hair growth, according to Cleveland Clinic.