How to Take Testosterone in Perimenopause and Menopause: What Women 45–60 in Eden Prairie, MN Need to Know

If you’ve been googling “how to take testosterone in menopause and perimenopause” while walking the loop at Purgatory Creek Park or sitting in your car outside Eden Prairie Center, you’re not alone. So many women tell me they feel foggy, flat, or disconnected from themselves and wonder if testosterone might help—but they’re unsure where to start or what’s safe.

Here’s the short answer: In perimenopause and menopause, testosterone has been found to help with mood, in addition to bone health, and sexual dysfunction. Off-label does not mean dangerous, it means not FDA-approved, yet.

I’ll be honest with you: years ago, I tried adapting AndroGel (a men’s product) for women, and 100% of my patients hated it. All my patients complained of excessive perspiration. I knew there had to be a better way to dose bioidentical testosterone safely in women. With using the male product most women are placed on 5mg/ml and in my practice, this was way too high. At lower concentrations I have been able to help my patients with mood, energy and vitality without compromising their health. If you’re exploring options, our menopause and hormone care at The WoMn Clinic focuses on safety, clarity, and what matters to you. You can also learn more about our approach and request a consult at The WoMn Clinic.

Why some women consider testosterone after 40

Testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone.” Women make it too, mainly in the ovaries and adrenal glands—and levels naturally decline with age. For some women, that drop contributes to lower sexual desire, decreased spontaneous interest in intimacy, reduced arousal, and sometimes diminished energy or motivation. For many of my patients they notice difficulty in recovery after exercise.

What safe, evidence-based testosterone use looks like

Here’s how we approach it together at The WoMn Clinic—step by step and at your pace:

1) Comprehensive conversation

We start with your story—what’s changed, what you’ve tried, and what you’re hoping for. We also screen for sleep, stress, medications, pelvic pain, and vaginal dryness because these can meaningfully impact desire.

2) Baseline labs

We do a comprehensive 60+ biomarker lab in women. We check for baseline free and total testosterone levels. We also check for metabolic and cardiovascular risk markers as well. It is important to note here that bioidentical testosterone is not the same as anabolic steroids. So bioidentical testosterone does not increase visceral fat and cholesterol levels.

3) Start low and go slow

We use a low-dose, transdermal option in a compounded cream. Almost none of my patients need 5mg/ml in the formulations we use. It is important to note that with using testosterone through the skin it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to achieve a noticeable difference. This is ok because the transdermal approach yields a more stable level of testosterone than other methods of administration.

4) Monitor and adjust

We reassess your testosterone lab levels regularly to ensure your free testosterone levels are within an optimal range. The goal is to lead to improved symptoms without causing side effects such as hair loss (head), acne, and excessive hair growth (from the chin and upper lip).

5) Continue with intention

Although testosterone for mood, bone health, recovery, and sexual dysfunction are not currently FDA-approved, I use them safely with proper counseling of my patients.

This approach aligns with professional guidance that supports low-dose, transdermal testosterone for carefully selected women with HSDD, with informed consent and ongoing monitoring.

Practical tips for using topical testosterone the right way

• Apply to clean, dry skin (thin skin areas such as the wrist and labia are best for absorption), let it dry fully, then wash your hands to prevent transference.

• Rotate sites to protect skin and aim for the same time each day for steady levels.

• Avoid transfer to others: let it dry completely, cover the area with clothing, and keep it away from kids and pets.

• For morning blood draws, don’t apply your dose until after your lab to avoid falsely elevated levels.

Who should avoid or be extra cautious

• You’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

• You have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, this requires careful, specialist-guided discussion.

• You’re already experiencing significant acne, unwanted hair growth, or scalp thinning.

• You’ve had a prior reaction to hormone gels or creams.

If you’re unsure, we talk it through and make the safest plan for you.

Side effects to watch—and what’s reversible

Most side effects are dose-related and improve with dose reduction or stopping: acne or oily skin, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, or mood irritability. Rarely, at higher or prolonged supraphysiologic levels, voice changes or clitoral enlargement can occur and may not fully reverse—this is why we avoid high dosing and pellets and track levels carefully.

Why I often prefer low‑dose compounded creams at The WoMn Clinic

I’ll never forget those early AndroGel attempts—sticky application, lingering residue, and levels that were hard to finesse. My patients were frustrated, and so was I. Transitioning to a lower-dose, thoughtfully compounded cream allowed us to match dosing to women’s physiology with more precision and comfort, and I consistently hear, “This feels better.”

Transparency matters: in the U.S., there’s no FDA-approved testosterone product for women yet. Clinical trials are going on in Europe and one can only hope this will mean progress for us as well.

Our care philosophy: collaborative, careful, and centered on you

At The WoMn Clinic, you set the goals; I bring the science, options, and a calm, stepwise process. We won’t rush decisions or gloss over uncertainties. We’ll talk about what’s known, what’s still being learned, and where experience helps us personalize your plan. My background—Menopause Certified, trained in bioidentical hormone therapy, and 11+ years caring exclusively for women—means I’ve walked this path with many women like you, adapting care to match real life.

Common questions for Eden Prairie patients

• Do you offer virtual visits?

  • Yes—many hormone consultations can begin via telehealth for Minnesota residents. In-person visits are available if you prefer. For testosterone as a controlled substance you have to be seen in person at least once in 12 months in Minnesota.

• Where are you located and is parking easy?

  • We’re in Eden Prairie off Hwy 62 on Shady Oak Road, with free on-site parking and elevator access. If mobility is a concern, let us know so we can make your visit smooth.

• How quickly can I start?

  • Most women complete an initial visit and labs before starting. From consult to first follow-up dose check, plan on 2–3 weeks, depending on lab timing and pharmacy turnaround.

• Can I do labs close to home or work?

  • Yes. We coordinate draws at nearby labs around Eden Prairie and can send orders to locations that are convenient for you.

• What about cost and insurance?

  • We do not process insurance here at The WoMn Clinic. Compounded testosterone is reasonable in cost compared to insurance-covered hormone medications that women pay for and definitely more economical than the male gel.

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re in good company

It’s normal to have mixed feelings such as curious about feeling better but cautious about hormones. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talking with a clinician who listens can help you understand what’s happening in your body and whether testosterone fits into your care, gently, safely, and on your terms.

Margaret Enadeghe, M.D., MSCP, FACOG, DABOM

The WoMn Clinic, Eden Prairie, MN

Menopause Certified; Bioidentical hormone therapy trained; 11 years caring for women

Note: This article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Testosterone use is off-label for midlife women in the U.S. and should be supervised by a qualified clinician.