In today’s episode, I’m joined by Professor Susan Davis, an endocrinologist and one of the world’s leading experts on hormones in women’s health. With decades of clinical and research experience, Susan has been at the forefront of studying testosterone in postmenopausal women, challenging long-held assumptions and driving new conversations in medicine.
We take a deep dive into the myths and evidence surrounding testosterone therapy, from its role in sexual function to its effects on heart health, mood, and ageing. Susan shares the findings of landmark clinical trials, unpacks why measurement techniques matter, and explains how misinformation online has distorted the science.
What We Cover
- Why testosterone is not just a “male hormone”
- How levels change throughout a woman’s life
- Common myths around therapy and what the evidence actually shows
- Links between testosterone, libido, mood, and wellbeing
- The safety profile of female-appropriate doses and potential side effects
- Compounded hormones versus pharmaceutical formulations
- Why testosterone therapy is currently only approved for certain uses
- The biggest gaps in research and why women’s participation in trials is crucial
- How online misinformation is shaping public perception of hormone therapy
This conversation cuts through confusion with clear, evidence-based insights. If you want to understand what the science really says about testosterone in women, and what questions remain unanswered, this episode is essential listening.
- Intro: (00:00)
- Which Testosterone Claims Are True And Which Are False? (05:42)
- What Does Testosterone Do In A Woman’s Body? (12:09)
- How Do Testosterone Levels Change Across A Woman’s Life? (15:12)
- How Can Women Measure Testosterone Accurately? (20:24)
- What Is The Relationship Between Testosterone And Low Libido? (27:32)
- What Are The Outcomes And Dosing Of Testosterone Therapy? (32:24)
- Which Delivery Methods Work Best For Testosterone Therapy? (39:22)
- Does Testosterone Improve Muscle Mass Or Mood? (43:46)
- What Are The Safety Considerations For Testosterone Therapy? (47:15)
- Compounded Versus Pharmaceutical Testosterone Therapy (52:02)
- Research Gaps In Testosterone And How Women Can Help (58:09)
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More about Susan Davis, AO
Professor Susan R Davis AO, MBBS FRACP PhD FAHMS is a clinician researcher and an internationally recognised expert in menopause, and the role of sex hormones in women across the lifespan. She is Head of the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program and holds a Level 3 NHMRC Investigator Grant, for which she received the Elizabeth Blackburn Award of the NHMRC in 2023.
Susan is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, Alfred Hospital Melbourne and a consultant at Cabrini Medical Centre. She is a Fellow and Executive Council Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Susan’s research, spanning basic science to clinical trials, has been pivotal to the understanding of menopause and the role of sex hormones in the brain (cognition, mood, sexual function), cardiovascular system (lipids, vascular function, and coagulation), and muscle, joint cartilage and bone. She currently leads an innovative program of clinical research trials and population-based studies supported by the NHMRC, MRFF, MS Australia, and the Heart Foundation. With over 490 peer-reviewed publications her work underpins many best practice recommendations and has influenced health care delivery globally. She advocates for best clinical care via co-authorship of international Best Practice Guidelines (>20) and led the development of the nationally and internationally endorsed Practitioner Toolkit for Managing Menopause.
Susan was one of five founders of Jean Hailes for Women, is a past President of the Australasian Menopause Society and of the International Menopause Society.
Susan has received numerous national and international prestigious research awards. In 2022 she was awarded the Medal of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for her outstanding contribution and leadership in endocrinology and women’s health. Susan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine, to women’s health as a clinical endocrinologist and researcher, and to medical education.
She is an advisor to the NHS Menopause Improvement Programme Steering Committee (UK) and was an advisor for the Australian National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030. She also serves as an Advisor to the National Women’s Health Advisory Council (2022-). Susan works with industry to ensure the health needs of women are understood. She has spoken before national (TGA) and international regulatory bodies, FDA (US) and EMA (Europe) as an advocate and advisor.
