Can testosterone improve your sex life and boost your mood – and what are the risks? Here’s what the science says

Testosterone is increasingly sought after by both men and women, with claims that it can enhance mood, improve sexual function, and even delay aging. However, these promises come with potential risks, and scientific consensus on its effectiveness and safety remains divided. In Australia, prescriptions for testosterone have surged from just over 1,800 in 2016 to nearly 34,000 in 2025, reflecting a growing interest in the hormone. While medically approved only for postmenopausal women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction, many individuals are using it for a range of other purposes. Dr. Karina Severin, a women's health general practitioner, highlights the widespread belief that testosterone can address multiple issues, from muscle strength to cognitive function. Patients often insist on receiving it, despite limited medical approval for broader applications. This trend is fueled by increased awareness of menopausal experiences and a rise in women seeking hormone therapy. In the United States, women over 40 taking testosterone in high doses has become a cultural phenomenon, though it is not officially sanctioned for this demographic. Social media platforms are rife with testimonials from users claiming sexual rejuvenation, often shared by influencers promoting testosterone as a solution to various ailments. Professor Susan Davis, an Australian expert in women's health research since the 1990s, notes that many middle-aged women are desperate for ways to feel better. She criticizes the lack of scientific backing behind some claims, suggesting that the popularity of testosterone is driven by both well-meaning advocates and commercial interests. The spread of information through digital channels has amplified these narratives, influencing public perception and encouraging experimentation with the hormone beyond its approved uses. Men and teenagers are also turning to testosterone, often referred to as "T maxxing," to enhance physical performance and mood. Influencers such as Joe Rogan and figures within the "manosphere" community promote testosterone as essential for maintaining traditional masculine traits. This perspective frames testosterone testing and treatment as solutions to a perceived crisis in modern masculinity, according to an Australian study. In the U.S., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated annual testosterone deficiency screenings for military personnel aged 30 and older, aiming to ensure readiness and lethality. His initiative, dubbed the "High-T Department of War," underscores the growing influence of testosterone in both civilian and military contexts. Additionally, prominent political figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a senior advisor in the Trump administration, incorporate testosterone into their anti-aging regimens. These endorsements contribute to the normalization of testosterone use, further blurring the lines between therapeutic application and personal enhancement. U.S. nutrition guidelines now include advice on supporting testosterone levels, emphasizing dietary choices such as protein intake, although they stop short of recommending supplementation. With the ease of accessing testosterone through online pharmacies, concerns about misuse and long-term health impacts are mounting. Michael Buckley, CEO of Lawley Pharmaceutical in Perth, emphasizes that testosterone is a potent medication requiring a prescription due to its potential for serious and lasting side effects. Excessive use can lead to irreversible conditions such as testicular shrinkage, breast development, and infertility in men, while women may experience permanent voice changes, menstrual irregularities, and clitoral enlargement. Common side effects include hair loss, irritability, and acne in both genders. As the demand for testosterone continues to grow, driven by both medical necessity and cultural trends, the balance between benefit and risk becomes ever more complex. The scientific community remains divided on the extent of its benefits and the long-term implications of its widespread use. What is clear is that the landscape surrounding testosterone use is evolving rapidly, shaped by individual desires, societal influences, and ongoing debates over its appropriate role in health care.