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FDA Workshop Highlights Testosterone Access Hurdles for Menopause

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 4:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

FDA held a public workshop to examine testosterone therapy for menopausal women.
No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women, so physicians use off-label compounded creams or micro-dose male gel.
Insurance routinely denies coverage, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket.
Clinical guidelines limit testosterone use to hypoactive sexual desire disorder, not energy, mood, or bone health.
Dr. Kudzai Dombo said grassroots advocacy is pushing the FDA toward safer, standardized access for women.

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Story summary

FDA held a public workshop to examine testosterone therapy for menopausal women.
No testosterone product is FDA-approved for women, so physicians use off-label compounded creams or micro-dose male gel.
Insurance routinely denies coverage, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket.
Clinical guidelines limit testosterone use to hypoactive sexual desire disorder, not energy, mood, or bone health.
Dr. Kudzai Dombo said grassroots advocacy is pushing the FDA toward safer, standardized access for women.