False Myth: Testosterone will turn females into men

Supra-pharmacologic doses of testosterone are used to treat male transgender patients to stimulate facial and body hair growth and can result in a slight enlargement of the clitoris, however true masculinization is not possible.

Testosterone is dose-dependent and outside of supra-pharmacologic doses, it will not have any masculinizing effects on females.  

False Myth: Testosterone will cause hair loss in women

There is no evidence to prove this. In fact, two thirds of women treated with subcutaneous T implants report scalp hair regrowth.

False Myth: Testosterone is purely a male hormone

There is more testosterone than any other active sex hormone in women, and 3 to 4 times more production of testosterone than estrogen daily. Balanced amount of testosterone is equally important in the health of both men and women. 

False Myth: Testosterone causes increased aggression

In one study, 90% of women treated with subcutaneous T implants reported decreased aggression, irritability and depression.

Glaser R, Dimitrakakis C, Testosterone therapy in women: Myths and misconceptions, Maturitas, Volume 74, Issue 3, March 2013, pp. 230-234

Glaser, R., Kalantaridou, S., & Dimitrakakis, C. (2013). Testosterone implants in women: pharmacological dosing for a physiologic effect. Maturitas, 74(2), 179–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.11.004

Glaser R. York A.E. Dimitrakakis C. Beneficial effects of testosterone therapy in women measured by the validated Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Maturitas. 2011; 68: 355-361