An international, multi-disciplinary panel of physicians convened in 2017 to review the scientific evidence surrounding testosterone insufficiency and treatment in women and to establish consensus clinical resolutions.

The panel concluded that testosterone is not a male-exclusive hormone, but rather the most abundant biologically active gonadal hormone in women across the lifespan, with relevance to overall health and quality of life—not sexual function alone.

Key Consensus Findings

• Symptoms matter more than serum levels: Testosterone concentrations do not reliably correlate with symptoms in women, supporting an individualized, symptom-driven approach rather than rigid laboratory thresholds.

• Whole-body relevance: Testosterone insufficiency may impact energy, mood, body composition, bone density, and overall well-being.

• Bone health: Evidence cited in the report showed that testosterone combined with estradiol via subcutaneous implants increased bone mineral density more than estradiol alone in postmenopausal women.

• Safety considerations: The panel found no evidence that physiologic testosterone therapy, when appropriately prescribed and monitored, increases cardiovascular or breast cancer risk.

• Pellet therapy: Subcutaneous testosterone pellet therapy has been used internationally for decades, with pharmacokinetic data supporting predictable absorption suitable for clinical dosing in both women and men.

Clinical Significance

These consensus resolutions support the role of carefully selected, monitored testosterone therapy as part of comprehensive women’s health and menopause care, emphasizing individualized treatment over laboratory-only decision-making.

Expert Panel Participation

Douglas Woodford, MD participated as a member of the international physician consortium and was among the experts who unanimously agreed on the final consensus resolutions.