Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Intrinsa Transdermal testosterone patch

Intrinsa delivers testosterone transdermally to restore physiological testosterone levels in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Intrinsa delivers testosterone transdermally to restore physiological testosterone levels in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Used for Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Testosterone is an androgen that acts on androgen receptors throughout the body and brain to regulate sexual desire and arousal. The transdermal patch formulation allows continuous delivery of testosterone across the skin, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism and maintaining steady-state hormone levels. This restores testosterone concentrations to the normal physiological range in postmenopausal women, thereby improving sexual function and desire.

Approved indications

• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women

Common side effects

• Skin irritation at application site
• Acne
• Hirsutism
• Headache
• Mood changes

Key clinical trials

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy for the Treatment of Low Testosterone in Hypogonadal Men With Localized Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance (PHASE4)
• Adaptions and Resiliency to Multi-Stressor OpeRations (PHASE4)
• Testosterone Patch's Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Libido (PHASE4)
• Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Rapid Hormonal Cycling as Treatment for Patients With Prostate Cancer: The Men's Cycle (PHASE2)
• A Pharmacokinetic (PK) Study to Compare the Absorption of Two Formulations of Transdermal Testosterone Spray and Intrinsa® (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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