Testosterone for Women: When Dosing Is Right, You Have Options | Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

Testosterone is often misunderstood in women—and too often reduced to oversimplified or fear-based messaging. The reality is this: testosterone can be a safe and effective therapy for women—particularly for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and other symptoms of low testosterone—when it is dosed appropriately. And that’s the key. When dosing is right—meaning carefully adjusted for female physiology and monitored over time—women are not limited to a single option. They can choose the delivery method that fits their body and their life. In this video, I walk you through: 🌿 What testosterone actually does in the female body 🌿 Common symptoms of low testosterone When therapy may be appropriate The difference between FDA-approved testosterone products for men and the formulations commonly used in women 🌿 How dosing is approached in women (low, individualized, and not one-size-fits-all) 🌿 The pros and cons of different delivery methods, including gels, injections, and pellets We also touch on emerging clinical experience and ongoing research exploring pellet dosing in women, including work in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine. Early observations suggest that, when dosing is appropriate, stable levels and low rates of side effects are achievable—and in some cases may compare favorably to the variability seen with topical therapies. This is not about one method being “right” and another being “wrong.” It’s about understanding that dose—not delivery—is what determines safety and outcomes. Testosterone is an important hormone in women. It affects libido, mood, energy, muscle, bone, and overall quality of life. We need more research. We need better education. And we need to move toward collaborative, patient-centered care—where women are informed, supported, and able to choose what works best for them. As always, hormone therapy should be individualized and guided by a qualified clinician. Must-watch video: Should Women Use Male Testosterone Products? | Real-Life Demo with Dr. Susan    • Should Women Use Male Testosterone Product...   Interested in booking an appointment? Click here: https://completemidlifewellnesscenter... 💻 We offer virtual medical care in Texas, California, and New Mexico. ✨ Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a Board-certified Gynecologist and Certified Menopause Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in women's health, specializing in women's midlife wellness hormonal optimization and sexual wellness. She is the founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston TX, and author of “Sexually Woke- awaken the secrets to your best sex life in midlife and beyond”. She also hosts the popular podcast and YouTube channel “Empowering Midlife Wellness”. Earlier in her career, she founded Complete Women's Care Center, which became the largest all-female Ob/Gyn group in the country. Dr. Susan is the recipient of the Texas SuperDoctor award over 15 times, as well as a multiple time recipient of H-Texas magazine’s Top Doctor and Top Doctor for Women awards. She's also been chosen as one of Houston's “three best rated gynecologists” for multiple consecutive years Dr. Susan is also an ICF certified life and leadership coach, multiple time marathoner and IronMan triathlete, and a mother of three young adults. 🫴 Follow me on social media: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3guuEg4 Facebook: https://bit.ly/300hzbW Podcast: https://apple.co/3ePe5NJ TikTok: https://bit.ly/3VaLBAW 👀 Learn more about me: https://drsusan.com/ 📚 Get my best-selling book, Sexually Woke: Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife & Beyond: https://amzn.to/3rm47IU ❗ DISCLAIMER Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.