The active ingredient in Androfeme is testosterone 10 mg per ml (1% w/v). Key inactive ingredients include sweet almond oil, this is clinically important, as Androfeme may not be suitable for women with an almond or tree nut allergy. If this applies to you, inform your clinician before starting, as an alternative testosterone preparation should be considered. Androfeme does not contain peanut oil and is free from oestrogen and progestogen.

When prescribed and monitored appropriately by a menopause specialist, testosterone therapy with Androfeme can be safe and effective for women. Because Androfeme is specifically formulated for women, dosing is more accurate and consistent than with male testosterone gels.

Treatment requires regular monitoring through blood tests and symptom reviews to ensure testosterone levels remain in the healthy female range and side effects are managed. Your doctor will discuss your individual risks and benefits based on your medical history.

What is the difference between Androfeme and similar treatments?

Androfeme vs Testogel: Both deliver body-identical testosterone transdermally, but Androfeme is specifically formulated for women with a pre-measured applicator delivering a consistent 0.5 ml dose. Testogel requires measuring one-eighth of a sachet using a syringe, which introduces more room for dosing inaccuracy. Androfeme is generally preferred for its straightforward dosing, though Testogel is more widely available through UK prescribers. Your clinician will advise which is more suitable for you.

Androfeme vs compounded testosterone preparations such as Voy Testosterone Cream: Some specialist prescribers offer compounded testosterone creams or gels formulated specifically for women. These are not commercially manufactured products but may offer dosing flexibility for some patients. As with Androfeme, regular blood test monitoring is essential regardless of the preparation used.

Testosterone vs no testosterone (oestrogen HRT alone): For women with persistent low sexual desire despite optimised oestrogen HRT, the addition of testosterone has strong clinical evidence and is endorsed by NICE guidelines and the British Menopause Society. Oestrogen HRT alone does not address testosterone deficiency. The decision to add testosterone should always follow a clinical review confirming that oestrogen levels are adequately replaced first.

Increased facial or body hair growth can occur if testosterone levels become too high. This is why regular monitoring and careful dose adjustment are essential. Most women using appropriate doses (one pump daily) do not experience significant hair growth.

If hair growth does occur, reducing the dose usually slows or stops further growth. However, existing hair may need to be managed through removal methods. Voice deepening and clitoral enlargement, if they occur, may be permanent.

There is no strong evidence that testosterone at appropriate female doses causes weight gain. Some women may notice changes in body composition, such as improved muscle tone, but this is different from weight gain.

Androfeme does not directly affect bleeding patterns, as it is a testosterone-only preparation with no oestrogen or progestogen component. Any changes to your bleeding pattern are more likely related to the oestrogen and progestogen components of your wider HRT regimen. If you experience unexpected vaginal bleeding while using Androfeme as part of a combined hormone regimen, discuss this with your clinician. It is important to rule out other causes of unscheduled bleeding.

There is no strong evidence that testosterone at appropriate female doses causes weight gain. Some women notice changes in body composition, such as modest improvements in muscle tone, but this is distinct from weight gain. Any broader weight changes during the menopause transition are more likely related to declining oestrogen, metabolic shifts, and lifestyle factors. If weight changes are a concern, discuss them with your clinician at your review.

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Those with current or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast cancer) — discuss with your specialist
• Women with liver disease
• Those with known hypersensitivity to testosterone or any ingredients in Androfeme

Androfeme contains sweet almond oil, so it may not be suitable for people with an almond or tree nut allergy, although it does not contain peanut (arachis) oil.

Use with caution

• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — requires specialist assessment and monitoring
• Those with cardiovascular disease — discuss risks and benefits with your doctor
• Women with sleep apnoea — testosterone may worsen this condition

No, never adjust your Androfeme dose without speaking to your clinician first. Dose adjustments must be guided by blood test results to ensure testosterone levels remain within the healthy female range. Increasing your dose independently risks testosterone levels rising too high, which can cause side effects, some of which, such as voice deepening, may be permanent. If you feel your current dose is not working or is causing side effects, contact your Voy clinician.

Availability of testosterone for women on the NHS varies by area. Some NHS menopause clinics and specialists can prescribe testosterone (including Androfeme as an unlicensed medicine) when clinically appropriate. However, access may be limited in some regions, and you may need to seek treatment through a private menopause specialist.

If you are interested in testosterone therapy, discuss your options with your GP or a menopause specialist.

Improvements in energy, mood, and overall wellbeing may be noticed within the first few weeks of starting testosterone therapy. However, changes in sexual desire typically take longer, most women notice improvements within 3 to 6 months.

Your doctor will review your progress regularly and may adjust your dose based on your symptoms and blood test results at your 8-week and 12-week appointments.

Testosterone therapy is usually prescribed alongside standard HRT (oestrogen with or without progesterone) for women who have persistent symptoms despite optimised HRT. The British Menopause Society and NICE guidelines recommend ensuring oestrogen levels are adequately replaced before adding testosterone.

In some cases, such as after hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries, testosterone may be used with oestrogen-only HRT. Your doctor will ensure your hormonal needs are properly addressed before considering testosterone therapy.

Yes. Blood tests are essential before starting testosterone therapy and regularly throughout treatment. Your doctor will check:

• Baseline testosterone levels before starting treatment (required before starting Androfeme with Voy)
• Testosterone levels at 8 weeks to ensure you are in the healthy female range
• Follow-up review at 12 weeks with your doctor to assess symptom response
• Ongoing monitoring every 6-12 months once stable
• Liver function and lipid profile
• Full blood count

Regular monitoring ensures your testosterone levels remain safe and effective.