Couple says wife’s testosterone treatment sharply increased her libido and altered their marriage

As they neared 50, Franny began taking testosterone to treat menopausal symptoms, at a dose that raised her levels above those typical even for women in their 20s, and the change in her sexual desire quickly altered the couple’s marriage, her husband, Greg, told The New York Times Magazine.

For years the pair had lived with little sex; Franny says she rarely wanted to be touched in her 40s and Greg had largely accepted the situation. After she received testosterone via a subcutaneous pellet that releases hormones over months, she began thinking about sex constantly, initiating more and feeling less inhibited.

Greg says the change improved his happiness and their relationship: they have more playfulness, go out more and now have sex about twice a week. Medical context in the story notes that low doses of testosterone — intended to restore levels typical of a woman’s late 30s or early 40s — are studied enough that major medical societies recommend them for distressed postmenopausal women and tend not to cause side effects.

Much less is known about the long-term effects of high doses. Doctors report possible side effects when levels surpass typical ranges, including increased facial hair, hair thinning or loss, acne, voice deepening and clitoral enlargement; some women in the piece described substantial hair loss or persistent coarse facial hair, and others reported anger.

Key Topics

Health, Testosterone Therapy, Hormone Pellet, Menopause, Libido, Cardiovascular Risk