Testosterone?

[MyBeloved]

Hi everyone
I have had a total abdominal hysterectomy and both ovaries and cervix removed also. I have been on oestrogen gel (sandrena) ever since (couldn't get on with patches). I have recently read that testosterone is important too. Why? It's a male hormone! What does it do? Any experience or advice appreciated.
Thank you :)

I’ve also had a total hysterectomy, I’m on patches. I have read some info that testosterone is important but that it isn’t licensed to be prescribed in the U.K so it’s very difficult to get but can be prescribed if you pay privately.

thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/

www.theguardian.com/society/2019/sep/11/testosterone-postmenopausal-women-uk-hormone

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131127110505.htm

Good links. Google it, OP.

Most private consultants will prescribe if necessary but not a GP.

It's not licensed for women but women use the male product in smaller amounts.

It's been like this for a few years- not really new.

Mainly it's used to give some energy and help muscle tone, and libido, especially.

All women have some testosterone in their body and it rises after the menopause (hence hairy chins.)

Interesting, thanks so much! Those links are fascinating. Wonder why testosterone was licenced for those with surgical menopause (like myself), then withdrawn? Cost saving? Who knows...

So, basically, it is important for energy levels and sexual desire. Can i at least have my testosterone levels checked on the nhs, or is that private only too?

Private only. I'm not even sure they test anyway- bit like not testing for menopause. The answer is if the medication works.

JinglingHellsBells thanks.

I would love to hear from anyone who has used it and what their thoughts on it are.

Really appreciate all your replies.

I went to my GP who sent me to a NHS Menopause Clinic at a local hospital. I started on Estrogel and Vagifem and then was prescribed Tostran for libido. Tostran is not licensed for women, only for men but it is used for women in menopause. So you can get in on the NHS, but perhaps in different areas it's tricky.

I have noticed a difference in libido, not huge but enough to actually make me want to have sex whereas before, I used to dread it and felt numb.

However, since having some blood tests done after 2 months I've been told that my testosterone levels are a bit too high so have to go back for more blood tests. The effects of it being too high are increased body hair, lower voice and enlarged clitoris app

Yes, I went to a high end private hormone clinic and they took a three part approach: oestrogen + Mirena for progesterone + testosterone gel. It boosts libido and (this bit really pisses me off) mental acuity.

Sounds a bit scary, that it can deepen your voice and make you grow facial hair :( I really hope you both get the benefits with none of the side effects.

Thank you, both, for your replies

I use andrefem. It is testosterone but for women. My private memo consultant prescribes it for me. It’s really amazing. My hormones/ emotions have been immeasurably better since I have been on it. It’s pricey but lasts ages. And is so so good.

I have testosterone as part of my HRT regime. I also have DHEA. It’s very commonly prescribed by private meno specialists as it brings a lot of benefits, and if properly measured there’s no hairy chin, deepening voice or any other of that nonsense.
It brings energy, improved libido, promotes good muscle tone, tolerance for and recovery from exercise. It doesn’t turn you into the Incredible Hulk .

May I ask how much it costs?

Anything, anything that helps with energy sounds amazing. Any recommendations for a private specialist in the south who might prescribe it? (I've tried several HRTs from my GP and nothing is helping with the complete and utter exhaustion).

@MyBeloved

May I ask how much it costs?

If I add up the consultation fees, blood tests and the potion itself I reckon it works out at something approaching £1200 per year.

@Botherfreedays

Anything, anything that helps with energy sounds amazing. Any recommendations for a private specialist in the south who might prescribe it? (I've tried several HRTs from my GP and nothing is helping with the complete and utter exhaustion).

I can recommend my specialist but I won’t do it publicly on this thread. PM me if you like.

I was prescribed testosterone gel by my GP when I asked for it, which I was very grateful for, however I've been on it for a month now and can't say I've noticed any difference at all.

I was hoping it would give me some sort of libido, but I'm as disinterested and knackered as ever

@MyBeloved mine costs £90 for 50ml. I use 0.5ml per day.

I’m glad I found this. I randomly plummeted into menopause a year ago, and apparently my testerone is now seriously non-existent.

Will see if I can get some help from the GP and gynae (private where I live).

Can you take these supplements whilst taking HRT etc then? I take Livial, and assumed that was it.

Our ovaries produce testosterone so it’s not just a male hormone.

I’ve had testosterone added to my hrt regime and it’s been amazing for me. I’d had great benefits from the oestrogen but the testosterone has kind of supercharged the effects of oestrogen. I had been reluctant to use it but my consultant felt that it can be the difference between feel OK and feeling amazing.

I feel great; amazing even. I have lots of energy, full of beans, no low moods, great mental clarity, I’ve become articulate again, excellent sleep. I feel generally more engaged with life and people. I’m quite assertive without being aggressive (I used to be like this but was turning into a wet lettuce or over emotional banshee). I feel the most together I’ve ever been since starting peri.

My consultant refers to it as the “zingy” hormone, the va va voom. I’m back exercising and doing more strenuous exercise than I’ve ever done. Lots of weighted lunges, squats, press ups and the like.

As for the masculising effects, you’d have to use more than the female dose for that to happen. I’ve not experienced any masculising effects but you do need to be careful where you apply it. I was applying it on my inner forearms but the hair there became a bit darker and thicker. I’ve not become more hirsute all over or anything. So I apply it on my thighs now as I shave there anyway.

I’m using Tostran, one pump every second day but can use one pump a day if I feel the need. I’ve been using hrt for a couple of years but just added the testosterone 6 months ago. I would say it takes a while to feel the benefits whereas I felt the benefit of osteogen almost immediately.

My consultant is based in the West Surrey area. If anyone wants her details, please pm me.

That's great, @Deux - it's so good to read a positive experience. Hopefully I'll see effects soon enough.

What about libido - any sign of one?

@RedPandaFluff when I started taking it I was a bit lax about it. So I’d use it for a week, then forget, a bit stop start. It wasn’t until the start of lockdown I knuckled down to take it regularly.

Even then I managed to stop taking it for a couple of weeks and that was when I realised the benefits as I was wondering why I was suddenly feeling a bit rubbish.

So I’d say stick with it for a good 8-12 weeks.

About libido, yes and yes some more. However my DH has zero interest in sex which is a whole other thread. I do find myself looking at men and thinking hmm, he’s nice, look at those muscles 🤦🏻‍♀️😀

Thanks @Deux - I'll stick at it, then. I'm really tempted to up it to one pump a day though . . . I'm so impatient!

thank you all for your replies! Deux, I have PMd you.

Not sure whether to stay another thread, because this says it all in the title!

I've just been given Testogel by my gp, but it's actually in a spray. Apparently I'm too spray two squirts on my skin and rub it in?

Anyone had that!?