Testosterone for women | Professor Susan Davis, AO

Aug 25, 2025

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Professor Susan Davis, an endocrinologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on hormones in women’s health. We explore the role of testosterone in women, separating fact from fiction, and tackling the common myths that circulate online and in the media.

Susan shares what decades of research actually show about testosterone therapy, its benefits, limitations, and safety, and why participation in clinical trials is essential for moving the science forward.

What We Cover

Why testosterone is not just a male hormone
How levels change throughout a woman’s life
Common myths about testosterone therapy and the truth behind them
The link between testosterone, libido, and sexual function
Evidence for and against claims around mood, muscle, and wellbeing
Side effects and safety considerations at female-appropriate doses
Compounded hormones compared with pharmaceutical formulations
The biggest gaps in research and where the science needs to go next

This episode offers an evidence-based look at testosterone in women, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what the science really says.

Intro: (00:00)
Which Testosterone Claims Are True And Which Are False? (05:42)
What Does Testosterone Do In A Woman’s Body? (12:09)
How Do Testosterone Levels Change Across A Woman’s Life? (15:12)
How Can Women Measure Testosterone Accurately? (20:24)
What Is The Relationship Between Testosterone And Low Libido? (27:32)
What Are The Outcomes And Dosing Of Testosterone Therapy? (32:24)
Which Delivery Methods Work Best For Testosterone Therapy? (39:22)
Does Testosterone Improve Muscle Mass Or Mood? (43:46)
What Are The Safety Considerations For Testosterone Therapy? (47:15)
Compounded Versus Pharmaceutical Testosterone Therapy (52:02)
Research Gaps In Testosterone And How Women Can Help (58:09)

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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

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