Testosterone may be one of the most misunderstood hormones in women's health. Despite growing research supporting its role in sexual function, muscle mass, bone health, mood, and healthy aging, many women are still told that testosterone is a "male hormone" or that it has no place in their care.
Dr. Doug Lucas sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and women's sexual health expert Dr. Somi Javaid to unpack the science, controversy, and clinical realities surrounding testosterone therapy for women. They discuss why current guidelines lag behind emerging evidence, the barriers preventing women from accessing care, and how clinicians can thoughtfully approach hormone optimization while prioritizing safety and individualized treatment.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The Gap: Women's testosterone therapy remains one of the most misunderstood areas of medicine due to outdated education, regulatory barriers, and decades of research bias.
- The Science: Testosterone supports far more than libido, influencing muscle mass, bone density, mood, cognitive health, and overall quality of life when prescribed appropriately.
- The Treatment: Sexual dysfunction requires individualized evaluation, with multiple evidence-based treatment options available beyond testosterone, including FDA-approved medications, localized therapies, and behavioral interventions.
- The Future: Expanding access to education, updated clinical guidelines, and personalized hormone care may dramatically improve women's long-term health and healthy aging.
Quotable Moments
- "We're missing such an important opportunity to offer women the data of today, not the myths and misunderstandings of yesterday."
- "Flip the script. Don't ask what happens if you take hormones. Ask what happens if you don't."
Key Moments
(0:00) Why testosterone remains misunderstood in women's health
(1:16) Why clinical care is still far behind
(3:11) Why there's still no FDA-approved testosterone product for women
(11:11) Understanding hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
(15:52) The simple screening tool clinicians can use
(17:54) Benefits of testosterone beyond libido
(19:13) "Happy, hungry, and horny" as markers of health
(24:10) Safely prescribing testosterone for women
(31:17) Should we redefine testosterone deficiency in women?
(38:28) The Testosterone Project and the future of research
(40:29) FDA-approved alternatives to testosterone
(45:21) The one change that could transform women's healthcare
Featured Resources
• The Testosterone Project
• The Pink Pill documentary
• Addyi (flibanserin)• Vyleesi (bremelanotide)•
Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS)
Connect with Dr. Somi Javaid
Website: https://drsomi.com
Instagram: @drsomiTikTok: @drsomi
Podcast: Disrupt Her
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The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical conditions.