Testosterone therapy is exploding in popularity, especially among midlife women — but how you take testosterone dramatically affects how it works in your body.
In this episode, Joanne breaks down the three major delivery systems — transdermal creams, oral lozenges, and injections — and explains why some women are now being told they’re “poor absorbers” and switched to oral or injectable forms.
You’ll learn:
Why women may not respond to topical testosterone (and why “poor absorber” is often misdiagnosed)
How creams differ from orals in absorption, side effects, and DHT conversion
Why oral lozenges feel strong quickly — and the real reason they spike DHT
Why injections seem aggressive but actually deliver the smoothest hormonal profile
Which delivery system works best depending on your goals, symptoms, and physiology
How men differ in absorption and why some men do brilliantly on gels while others might as well bathe in them
How dosing, metabolism, and estrogen/testosterone balance influence results
How to talk to your provider about choosing the right method
This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife hormones — and for men who want to understand why their therapy may or may not be working.
💉 Delivery Systems Explained
Joanne breaks down:
Gentle, steady, least DHT-converting
Great for subtle libido, mood, strength improvements
Why absorption varies wildly between women
When creams are not enough
Fast-acting, potent, and sharp
More likely to spike DHT
Why these are often a solution for “non-responders” — but come with caveats
The classic “love it or hate it” delivery method
The smoothest and most predictable system
Lowest DHT spikes compared to oral
Best for consistent energy, stable mood, and strong results
Why smaller, more frequent microdoses are often ideal for women
🔥 Who This Episode Is For
Women feeling under-dosed or inconsistent on testosterone cream
Women newly prescribed oral testosterone and unsure what to expect
Anyone concerned about androgenic symptoms like acne, hair shedding, or irritability
Men frustrated with gels or creams
Anyone navigating TRT/HRT and wanting real science without fear or fluff
👀 Want More Like This?
This episode is part of Joanne’s in-depth midlife education series. If you love detailed, physiology-first coaching — not surface-level soundbites — you’ll love what’s coming next.
🌐 Explore the New Website
My brand-new website is live (not fully finished, but go have a peek):
👉 www.joannelee.com
This is where all upcoming programs, courses, podcasts, and resources will live.
