Testosterone prescriptions are rising among women. A new proposal could accelerate that.

A new proposal that seeks to broaden access to testosterone treatment for men with low hormone levels could have significant implications for women. Testosterone prescribing rates for women rose 2.6-fold from 2016 to 2025, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, mostly among midlife women, many who have cardiovascular risk factors. Testosterone use among women is skyrocketing, but the FDA has yet to approve a product specifically for women. JAMA reports that the new proposal calls for three major changes — which still require FDA approval — that would make it easier to obtain a prescription. JAMA notes, however, that experts remain divided whether the new evidence “justifies broad access to testosterone therapy.”