Moses KaneOn Saturday 21 March 2026, Penny Lancaster appeared on James Martin's Saturday Morning and disclosed she uses testosterone gel as part of her hormone replacement therapy. "I want to feel virile," she told the programme, adding that her "spark is back" since starting testosterone treatment. The 55-year-old, wife of rock legend Rod Stewart, has become one of Britain's most prominent advocates for menopause awareness — and her latest revelation is reigniting a crucial conversation about a treatment many women don't know is available to them.
The testosterone revelation: what it actually means
Testosterone is not the first hormone people associate with women's health. Yet the evidence for its role in female wellbeing — particularly during perimenopause and post-menopause — has been growing steadily. The British Menopause Society and NICE guidelines recognise testosterone as a valid addition to HRT for women experiencing low libido, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
Penny Lancaster is not the first celebrity to speak about testosterone gel. Author and television personality Prue Leith has also discussed using it. This convergence of public figures speaking openly about what remains a poorly understood treatment is significant: many women who would benefit from testosterone never receive it because their GP does not routinely offer it as part of a menopause consultation.
Lancaster herself was initially misdiagnosed with depression during lockdown, offered antidepressants, before her Loose Women co-star Coleen Nolan helped her identify that her symptoms — low mood, withdrawal, exhaustion — were linked to menopause. Her journey from misdiagnosis to effective treatment is not unusual.
The misdiagnosis problem
Research consistently shows that menopausal symptoms are frequently misattributed. A 2024 survey by the Menopause Charity found that 42% of UK women waited more than a year for a correct diagnosis, and a significant proportion were initially offered antidepressants instead of HRT.
The overlap between depressive symptoms and menopausal symptoms is genuine: low mood, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and loss of interest in activities are common to both. Without specific training in menopausal medicine, a GP consulting under time pressure may reach for the more familiar diagnosis.
This matters because the treatments are different. Antidepressants can help in some cases but do not address the underlying hormonal disruption. HRT — and for some women, the addition of testosterone — does.
What does a menopause consultation actually involve?
If you are between your mid-40s and mid-50s and experiencing symptoms you cannot explain, a specialist consultation can offer clarity that a standard GP appointment may not.
A thorough menopause assessment should include:
- Symptom mapping — both physical (hot flushes, joint pain, palpitations, vaginal dryness) and psychological (anxiety, memory fog, mood instability)
- Hormonal context — FSH and oestradiol levels can be measured, though diagnosis is primarily clinical in this age group
- Personal and family medical history — particularly any history of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, or blood clots that may influence HRT choices
- Treatment options — oestrogen-only, combined HRT, different delivery methods (patches, gels, sprays), and for some, testosterone
The HRT landscape has changed significantly in the past decade. The risks initially associated with older combined pill formulations are not applicable to the modern transdermal preparations most commonly prescribed today. A specialist consultation can help you understand what applies to your personal situation.
Testosterone for women: the basics
Testosterone in women is produced primarily by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels decline during the menopausal transition. Symptoms of low testosterone in women include reduced libido, persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and low motivation.
In the UK, testosterone is not currently licensed specifically for women, which means it is prescribed off-label. This does not mean it is unsafe — off-label prescribing is common in medicine — but it does mean that access can be inconsistent. Some GPs are confident prescribing it; others are not. Specialist menopause clinics are generally better equipped to assess whether testosterone is appropriate for an individual patient and to prescribe it if so.
The evidence base, while still developing, is sufficiently robust for the British Menopause Society to recommend that testosterone be considered for women with low libido that has not responded to conventional HRT.
YMYL disclaimer
Important: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone, carries specific risks and benefits that vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP, a gynaecologist, or a specialist menopause doctor — before starting, stopping, or changing any hormone treatment.
When should you see a specialist?
The GP is a good starting point, but not always the endpoint. Consider seeking a specialist consultation if:
- You have been offered antidepressants without a thorough assessment of menopausal symptoms
- You are using HRT and still experiencing fatigue, low libido, or cognitive fog
- You want to understand whether testosterone could be appropriate for you
- You have a complex medical history that makes standard HRT decisions more nuanced
Penny Lancaster's openness about her own journey — including the difficult period before she received the right diagnosis and treatment — has helped reduce the stigma around menopause discussions. The practical takeaway is straightforward: if you recognise your experience in her story, a specialist consultation is a concrete next step.
Expert Zoom connects you with experienced doctors and health specialists who can provide a thorough menopause assessment online, without waiting months for a referral.
