睾酮的使用需求在男性和女性中持续上升，但其医学应用的科学支持仍然有限。在澳大利亚，女性睾酮处方量从2016年的1800份激增至2025年的近34000份[1]，同期男性通过PBS列表的处方则从2015年的148000份增至2025年的166000份[1]。经过医学监督的睾酮治疗仅在特定情况下获得证实——对男性而言，可以改善低睾酮症状；对女性则仅限于绝经后低性欲困扰的特定人群[1]。澳大利亚PBS补贴标准为男性睾酮水平低于6纳摩尔/升[1]，而正常年轻男性的水平约为20-25纳摩尔/升[1]。
不当使用睾酮会带来严重的永久性副作用。女性可能经历声音低沉、月经改变和阴蒂肿大[1]，而男性则面临睾丸萎缩、男性乳房发育、精子生成减少或不育的风险[1]。性欲改善的阈值为15纳摩尔/升，超过此点效果不再明显[1]。医学专家Susan Davis博士指出："任何超过绝经后低性欲患者范围的益处目前都未经证实"[1]。在澳大利亚，约20000人使用女性AndroFeme产品，成本约100澳元/3个月[1]；男性PBS补贴处方为25澳元，持优惠卡者为7.70澳元[1]。
Testosterone prescriptions have surged dramatically across demographic groups in recent years, driven by growing demand among both men and women seeking improvements in sexual function and mood.[1] In Australia, female testosterone prescriptions increased from 1,800 in 2016 to nearly 34,000 by 2025, while male prescriptions on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) rose from 148,000 in 2015 to 166,000 in 2025.[1] Despite this expansion, medical evidence supporting testosterone therapy remains limited and nuanced, with approval restricted to specific clinical circumstances.
For men, testosterone therapy under medical supervision can address symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, defined in Australia as below 6 nanomoles per liter—significantly lower than the approximately 20-25 nanomoles per liter typical in young men.[1] For women, approved use is narrower: the therapy is currently endorsed only in specific cases of postmenopausal sexual desire disorder affecting quality of life.[1] Research indicates that sexual desire improvements plateau at testosterone levels of 15 nanomoles per liter, with minimal additional benefit beyond that threshold.[1] Women's testosterone levels naturally decline by approximately 25 percent by age 40, with a slight rebound after age 60.[1]
The risks of misuse or overuse present serious concerns. Excessive testosterone use can cause permanent changes in women, including voice deepening, altered menstruation, and clitoral enlargement.[1] Men face complications including testicular atrophy, gynecomastia (male breast development), and reduced or absent sperm production leading to infertility.[1] Dr. Susan Davis has stated that "any benefits beyond the scope of postmenopausal women with low sexual desire currently remain unproven."[1]
Access to testosterone therapy varies by treatment type and patient status. The female product AndroFeme is used by approximately 20,000 Australians at a cost of about 100 Australian dollars for a three-month supply, while male PBS-subsidized testosterone costs 25 Australian dollars, or 7.70 Australian dollars for concession card holders.[1]