HRT - testosterone only

[BookwormButNoTime]

Currently peri-menopausal and based on my symptoms and blood tests my doctor has recommended I try testosterone only HRT. When I Googled it literally ALL of my symptoms point to this.

I guess it just sounds a bit scary and, well, male……. Does anyone else have this type of HRT and can tell me if it has helped?

Most NHS GPs can't offer testosterone so this is a FIRST! It's off-licence for women and needs fairly careful management. It's not usually prescribed without estrogen. Is your Dr trained in menopause?

How old are you? Blood tests are not recommended in the NICE menopause guidance, if you are over 45, as they are inaccurate.

This is a private doctor specialising in menopause. Apparently my oestrogen levels are very high (which is causing breast cysts) but testosterone very low. Progesterone fine. It’s the balance that’s all out of whack.

They really want to avoid the oestrogen because of the breast cysts, plus I don’t need any more of it!!!!!!

Oh, and I’m 44

Im taking testosterone but with HRT and started age 45 due to low T levels and no sex drive and not feeling myself/ disconnected / cold for 2 years. After 7 months of being on it I feel back to how I felt in my 20s/30s and having multiple orgasms again! It is expensive but worth it. I also went private.
Testosterone is responsible for so many functions, it is outrageous to me that it is not prescribed on the NHS. The risks are relatively low as you use small amounts over a long period so it builds up very slowly.
I am hoping that at some point I can ask my GP to prescribe it to me as it has given me my life back. Sex drive is so important and I dont plan on heading into my later life not having sex.

@BookwormButNoTime

This is a private doctor specialising in menopause. Apparently my oestrogen levels are very high (which is causing breast cysts) but testosterone very low. Progesterone fine. It’s the balance that’s all out of whack.

They really want to avoid the oestrogen because of the breast cysts, plus I don’t need any more of it!!!!!!

It always helps to reply if the whole picture is given at the start :)

@JinglingHellsBells I didn’t ask for peoples advice on whether or not I had been prescribed the right thing or had the right tests done. I asked for their experiences of taking it. I didn’t need to disclose my full medical history to get helpful comments.

@aalidfeie That’s so reassuring, thank you. I just haven’t been myself for a while. It was only when my GP suggested it was connected to hormones that everything started to make sense. If it works then I’m all for it!!!

I felt so weird for about 2 years, just found wasnt interested in sex, and when I did have it it started to take longer to orgasm. Then is got worse where I couldnt seem to crank myself into any pleasure, lots of rubbing and nothing, no spark. Weak orgasms, dryness etc. It really started to make me feel very disconnected to myself.
My GP was not helpful so I ended up going private. It is expensive but so worth it. Feel switched back on again now and much more sparkly.
Havent had any side effects apart from my small amounts of chin hair at times of the month growing a bit faster than normal. But nothing else.
Hope you start to feel the benefits soon! Mine too about 4 months to start incrementally feeling better, and now at 7 months nearly back to how I used to feel. I actually get the raging horn during some parts of the month which I havent had since my early 30s!!

Hi OP,

No real advice, but I would really listen to @JinglingHellsBells. From memory they're a GP and offer very good advice on the menopause boards.

@TwuntyFriend I'm not a GP, I'm just relaying what I've learned over 15 years from my gynae but I also do research and write on medical stuff now and then. I do try to give a bit back here and help :)

@TwuntyFriend Forgive me, my menopause brain letting me down again .
However, your advice has been amazing and a total game changer for me - so thank you!

Pleased you are feeling better @TwuntyFriend and thanks