To think maybe testosterone might help my MH

[Potatoespotatoesagain]

I have been suffering over the last 4 year I would say with..

brain fog to the point I have low key considered early onset dementia (I’m 44)

anxiety

poor sleep in periods

feeling zoned out like I’m never really present

apathy towards work which I used to enjoy, this is to the point I REALLY struggle to engage

I have had the merina coil fitted and been on Estrogel for a few months now, I had a couple of weeks a while ago where I felt better, more present, but this faded back.

i don’t have an issue with low sex drive

am i unreasonable to think a testosterone supplement might help with the above?

To add, I generally feel like life is really work. I have been referred for adhd screening at my request in desperation for some answers but when I think about it all of the symptoms/ traits I have are only from the last few years and are timed along with peri symptoms such as weak muscles, headaches, some incontinence, and all of the above. While I do think I have some adhd / autistic traits for sure which I am aware are exasperated by menopause, I don’t feel like that’s the root of my struggle tbh

Testosterone has literally saved my life. After years of unsuccessful IVF my mental health, hormonal health and physical health was a mess.

I use a prescribed testosterone cream daily and I am finally able to exercise with meaning, I’ve lost weight and most importantly I am not an emotional wreck. I was so easily triggered and teary and for the first time in many years I can meet my husband on an equal mental level without dissolving into a ball of tears. My brain is sharp and clear. If I forget to apply it for a day or two I can feel the anxiety returning.

I have my levels checked every 6 months and we keep them within the normal range for a 30 yr old woman (I am early 40s). I don’t know how long I can be on it for but I’m going to keep taking it for as long as I can. I’ve had very few negative side effects and I think the key is to keep your levels within what is considered normal for a woman. So many of us don’t even know that we need testosterone at all and there are many misconceptions about it being for men only.

I am 48 and had very similar symptoms to you. The apathy and brain fog were the worst and having been on HRT for 18 months (gel and pills) I had a slight improvement (mainly in my bone pain) but still felt really shit. The brain fog was so difficult to deal with in a high pressured job. I made a private appointment with the Newson clinic and was prescribed Testosterone gel and within 2 weeks it changed me. I think with clarity, apathy has gone and I am so so much better not perfect but a vast improvement. Luckily for me my GP has added it to my repeat so i can get in via the NHS now.

Reading with interest as I would like to try it.. I'm on HRT but my sex drive has completely vanished, I'm exhausted and can't enjoy my sport hobby . Hoping to ask to trial it when I have an HRT review in a few months.

Thanks so much for your answers, I’m going to book in with my Gp next week

I’m not in the UK so I don’t know what general medical response would be from a GP so be prepared to go private to get a more open minded response.

You tend to have to go private as NHS GPs aren’t so forthcoming with testosterone for women in these situations. The first step is to get a blood test to see what your levels are. I used a private online meno clinic but my blood test showed my testosterone levels were actually fine so they just altered the levels of other hrt instead. My friend who used the same service did need testosterone and got it but it’s not been a magic wand. For some it is. All you can do is get tested and explore the options. Good luck, it’s can be such a grind this time of life and the hurdles to getting help.

Agree.

I think you can push for levels to be a bit higher than what is normal for your age. Ie what would be normal for a 30 yr old if you are 45. Or at least the upper end of normal. But you need to be guided by the professionals and like you say most GPs are unlikely to be forthcoming.