Women’s Health Progress: The FDA Is Talking Testosterone
Last week, something important happened for women’s health. On September 17, the FDA brought together physicians, researchers, patient advocates and regulators for a public workshop focused specifically on testosterone use in menopausal women.
Why does this matter? Today, there is no FDA-approved testosterone product specifically for women in the United States, even though testosterone is already being prescribed off-label to some women and female-specific products are approved in other countries. The FDA made it clear that more research is still needed, particularly around appropriate dosing, cardiovascular health, breast health and long-term safety.
But here’s the progress: the conversation is happening. The FDA expressed a willingness to work with researchers and pharmaceutical companies toward developing safe, standardized, evidence-based testosterone options specifically for women. For decades, women have asked for better menopause research, better treatment options and a stronger voice in healthcare. We’re not at the finish line—but women’s health is finally getting the attention, research and advocacy it deserves. And that is progress worth talking about!
Just over a year ago, at the July 18, 2025 hearing on menopause and hormone therapy, Dr. Kelly Casperson (one of my favorite physicians leading the way in women’s health – check out her “You Are Not Broken” book and Podcast) addressed a critical gap in health care: the absence of FDA-approved testosterone options for women. While testosterone is widely available and approved for men (30+ products!), women remain without regulated, evidence-based dosing, despite clear benefits. Take a listen to this short video testimony to get the scoop and to be informed. In this 5-minute speech, Dr. Casperson highlights what we need to know to better understand why this conversation, research and advocacy are all important.
Cheers to progress and keeping the conversation going. Be informed, ask questions & advocate for yourself. This is what it means to be Inspired by Living Well.