The Dangerous Illusion of Microdosing Testosterone in Women
By Elle Jolie | Elle Jolie Wellness
Let’s stop pretending this isn’t a crisis.
Women—especially those in perimenopause and postmenopause—are being misled, manipulated, and medicated under the guise of “optimization.”
From social media influencers to physicians to naturopaths prescribing outside their scope, there’s a hormone hustle happening—and it’s time to call it what it is:
Exploitation disguised as empowerment.
The Reality of Testosterone in Women: What the Science Actually Says
Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in women, but in very small amounts. Its therapeutic use is only approved for very specific cases—primarily Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)—and even then, dosing must be carefully monitored and temporary.
Despite this, we’re watching a tidal wave of microdosing trends and off-label prescribing for fatigue, libido, mood, weight gain, and "biohacking”—with zero long-term evidence and very real risks.
So what are the risks?
Even in low doses, studies have shown:
Increased facial hair, acne, and scalp hair loss
(Lancet Endocrinology, 2019 meta-analysis on 8,000+ women)Negative impacts on cholesterol with oral testosterone use
(Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2019)Weight gain, mood swings, clitoral enlargement, and voice deepening
(Mayo Clinic Clinical Guidance)
Let’s be blunt: these are androgenic effects.
Once they occur, some of them are irreversible.
The Ethical Void: Where Are the Safeguards?
Here’s the problem:
Naturopaths—and even some physicians—are prescribing compounded testosterone therapies in creams, lozenges, and pellets. These are unregulated, unmonitored, and in many cases financially incentivized.
Let’s say it louder:
When a practitioner profits from what they prescribe, that’s not medicine. That’s marketing.
Women deserve transparency.
Not cherry-picked testimonials. Not “wellness” branding over biomedical caution.
And certainly not injections, creams, and pellets sold without full disclosure of risk.
No FDA Approval. No NAMS Endorsement. No Long-Term Data.
The FDA has not approved testosterone for women, except in extremely limited cases and doses.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) does not recommend it for general menopause management.
The Endocrine Society warns against its use outside narrow therapeutic contexts.
And yet, these voices are conveniently ignored by influencers and clinics selling “hormone balance” packages.
Why?
Because they’re making money.
Off your exhaustion. Off your hot flashes. Off your valid desire to feel like yourself again.
This Is Not Empowerment—It’s Medical Gaslighting
Women are told:
“Your doctor doesn’t care about you.”
“We’ll optimize your hormones!”
“It’s just a microdose.”
“It’s natural. It’s bioidentical. It’s safe.”
But the question is: safe for who?
Because once your testosterone is out of balance, you’re the one dealing with the consequences.
Not your influencer. Not your pellet-pushing prescriber.
What Needs to Happen Next:
Regulatory Bodies Must Act
The FDA, Endocrine Society, and NAMS must pressure state and provincial regulators to review prescribing privileges of naturopaths and wellness clinics.
Financial Transparency is Essential
All clinics and practitioners who profit from hormone prescriptions should be required to disclose this relationship publicly.
Women Deserve Real Health Options
More funding, education, and training in evidence-based menopause care, including nutrition, movement, sleep, nervous system support, and behavioral health.
What We Do at Elle Jolie Wellness
We don’t sell creams.
We don’t pitch pellets.
We don’t push protocols that haven’t been vetted.
We coach the whole woman:
Strength training to naturally boost DHEA and testosterone
Blood sugar balance to regulate cortisol and estrogen
Nervous system recovery to bring the body back online
Gut and liver support for proper hormone metabolism
Motivational interviewing to co-create real change
No shortcuts. No hype. Just science, strategy, and support.
Final Word
This isn’t about denying women relief. It’s about demanding better.
We don’t need to be optimized—we need to be understood.
And we deserve care that doesn’t come with a side of sales tactics.
Let’s stop the hormone hustle. Let’s come home to real health.