Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Adding Testosterone For Memory

14 replies

Charliesunnysky10 · 25/07/2022 14:31

I've been on Oestrogel and Utrogestan for 3 months and they've stopped my hot flushes. I've put on weight (mostly on my tummy), but it seems a small price to pay for the longer term positives - bone & joint health etc.

However, I'm as forgetful as ever and I'm wondering if I could ask my GP to try me on a female dose of testosterone in addition to help with the absent-mindedness. I'm 50 next month and my last period was 2 years ago. I went into perimenopause 4 years ago

Does anyone have any experience of this? Is it too soon? What form might work well with Oestrogel and Utrogestan?

Many thanks!

OP posts:
RudsyFarmer · 25/07/2022 15:06

Im interested in this too.

BuffScrag · 25/07/2022 23:24

Me too

MissVantaBlack · 25/07/2022 23:29

Place marking.
I wonder if @JinglingHellsBells would be able to advise...

MissVantaBlack · 25/07/2022 23:31

@JinglingHellsBells sorry, the "@" didnt work first time...hopefully this will reach her.

QueenOfHiraeth · 25/07/2022 23:33

Testosterone is not allowed for GPs to prescribe in many areas so can only come from menopause specialists and, technically, is only licensed for lack of libido

Itsadoglife · 25/07/2022 23:34

Would love to know this too.... keep us updated with your findings 👍

SueSaid · 26/07/2022 07:43

If you ever want a specific treatment in the NHS you need to Google NICE guidelines and see when it is indicated as that is what NHS Drs go by. So, for example testosterone is indicated for women who are on HRT and still have significant libido problems. So I would suggest saying that then of course an added benefit will be cognitive/memory improvement.

It is different with private healthcare you are paying so you can pretty much ask for what you like within reason, but GPs have to follow set guidelines.

Original poster
Charliesunnysky10 · 26/07/2022 10:17

Thank you so much - that's really helpful!

OP posts:
Original poster
Charliesunnysky10 · 27/07/2022 11:53

Well you guys were helpful but the GP was anything but!

I AM experiencing a distinct lack of libido, but it's very much secondary to my brainfog which affects my job, home and social life. Anyway, I mentioned libido to my GP and she said I need to go on Menopause Matters website and look at 'other ways to touch my partner'. I told her that I'd like to try a female dose of testosterone because it might also help my Brainfog as well as libido and she said try other things first and they'd review it at my HRT review. I asked when this would be as I'm almost 3 months in now and she said they'd be in touch. Didn't feel like I'd achieved much but my review will be in person as they'll check hormone levels so hopefully I'll make more impact.

OP posts:
Aky42 · 27/07/2022 21:23

I'm struggling with being prescribed testosterone. My GP says I need to see a specialist Menopause nurse to get a prescription. Unfortunately Cornwall doesn't have one. Can't afford to go private, at £200 for a consultation. Anybody have any ideas how I can resolve this?

SueSaid · 27/07/2022 21:28

Charliesunnysky10 · 27/07/2022 11:53

Well you guys were helpful but the GP was anything but!

I AM experiencing a distinct lack of libido, but it's very much secondary to my brainfog which affects my job, home and social life. Anyway, I mentioned libido to my GP and she said I need to go on Menopause Matters website and look at 'other ways to touch my partner'. I told her that I'd like to try a female dose of testosterone because it might also help my Brainfog as well as libido and she said try other things first and they'd review it at my HRT review. I asked when this would be as I'm almost 3 months in now and she said they'd be in touch. Didn't feel like I'd achieved much but my review will be in person as they'll check hormone levels so hopefully I'll make more impact.

Print out the NICE guidelines re testosterone and HRT and take them in for your review www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations testosterone is mentioned 1.4.8 in the link, or send it with an econsult review. Overegg the libido problem say your relationship is breaking down and it's having a massive effect on your mh. I know we shouldn't have to exaggerate but there you go. It's a lot of tick boxing in primary care.

Some GPs don't seem to want to prescribe without specialist advice but this is easily done, they all have access to telephones. I think sadly GPs often find fobbing people off is the easiest option due to time constraints. It's crazy, walk into a private clinic waving your credit card about they'd soon be dishing out testosterone yet NHS patients have to beg and plead it seems sometimes.

I know I sound like I have a chip on my shoulder re GPs, just ive been fobbed off myself before for a serious issue. 18 months of back and forth before a referral (not hrt related) so I'm much more assertive nowadays!

BuffScrag · 27/07/2022 22:41

My GP says it’s not prescribable in our CCG. Can I challenge that? (Or ask then to?) no specialist menopause clinic in our region either. GP commissioning working out really well for women there. Thanks David Cameron for that bright idea Hmm

SueSaid · 28/07/2022 08:34

Challenge it yes, write to the practice and the ccg. NICE guidelines are there for a reason so treatment is consistent nationwide and not down to the whims of individual practices.

Just ask politely why testosterone isn't considered when guidelines (and include a copy) state it should be.

Original poster
Charliesunnysky10 · 28/07/2022 11:36

Thank you. I'm very lucky to have access to such supportive practical advice. Very grateful 🙏

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page