Summary
In this blog, Dr. Michele Couri explores new research on the potential benefits of testosterone therapy in women recovering from hip fractures. The STEP-HI clinical trial found that combining testosterone therapy with high-intensity exercise may improve functional outcomes, including reduced reliance on assistive devices. Dr. Couri shares insights from her recent experience at the Androgen Society’s Annual Meeting and highlights the ongoing need for FDA-approved testosterone options for women. Backed by both science and real-life results, this article reinforces the importance of hormonal balance—especially testosterone—in supporting women’s strength, recovery, and overall wellness.
Did you know that nearly 300,000 women over 65 suffer hip fractures each year—and most never fully recover? A new study offers promising hope.
Why I’m So Passionate About Testosterone for Women
I recently came across a fascinating article on testosterone therapy that I felt compelled to share. As many of you know, I’m deeply passionate about the transformative benefits that testosterone therapy can offer women. These include increased energy, improved libido, reduced vaginal dryness, sharper cognition (less brain fog), enhanced exercise capacity, better mood, improved sleep, and reduced joint pain—just to name a few.
The Study: Testosterone + Exercise After Hip Fracture
What caught my attention in this article was a study exploring the combination of testosterone therapy with exercise in older women recovering from hip fractures. Each year in the U.S., approximately 300,000 individuals aged 65 and older suffer a hip fracture. Sadly, 76% of them experience lasting functional decline, even after rehabilitation.
The STEP-HI trial (Starting a Testosterone and Exercise Program After Hip Injury) was designed to evaluate whether testosterone therapy could enhance recovery in these women. The study enrolled 129 community-dwelling women, all 65 or older, who had sustained a hip fracture. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups:
- High-intensity supervised exercise + testosterone gel
- High-intensity supervised exercise + placebo gel
- Enhanced usual care (low-intensity exercise + health education)
The trial ran for 24 weeks. Women in the testosterone group received a dose intended to elevate their testosterone levels above the standard reference range of 12–78 ng/dL, with a target range of 110–160 ng/dL.
What the Results Showed
The findings were compelling. Although the primary outcome—walking distance—did not significantly differ between the groups after 24 weeks, there was a striking difference in the need for assistive devices. In the testosterone + exercise group, 39.5% of women no longer needed a cane or walker by the end of the study. This was in contrast to just 17.1% in the placebo + exercise group and 17.7% in the enhanced care group.
What I See in My Practice Every Day
These results are incredibly promising—but to me, not surprising. Every day in my practice, I hear from women who report feeling stronger, more energized, and more motivated while on testosterone therapy. Many share how much better their bodies recover after exercise and how their overall well-being has improved.
What the Experts Are Saying: My Recent Conference
Earlier in July, I had the opportunity to attend the Androgen Society’s Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where experts from around the world presented the latest research on testosterone therapy for both men and women. The data was exciting and reaffirmed my long standing belief in the importance of hormonal balance—not just estrogen, but testosterone as well.
Women Deserve FDA-Approved Testosterone Options
And just last week, a panel of physician experts met with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to advocate for removing the outdated and inaccurate black box warning on hormone therapy. Testosterone for women was also addressed. The panel called on the FDA to not only update estrogen-related warnings but also to develop regulatory pathways for female-specific testosterone products. Currently, women in the U.S. have no FDA-approved testosterone options, while men have 39. This disparity is yet another example of how women’s health has historically taken a back seat to men’s.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Women’s Health
But change is on the horizon—and I believe the next decade holds great promise for women’s health. I’m so grateful I never wavered in my commitment to optimizing testosterone levels in the women I care for. This study is just one more affirmation of why that belief matters.
Curious About Testosterone Therapy?
If you’re wondering whether testosterone might help you feel stronger, more energized, or recover better—let’s talk. Schedule a consultation at the Couri Center to explore personalized hormone therapy options tailored just for you or fill out the below form.
To your health,
Dr. Couri
Sources Used:
Binder, E. F., et al. (2025). Combining exercise training and testosterone therapy in older women after hip fracture: The STEP‑HI randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 8(5), e2510512.