Anything other than testosterone for loss of libido?

[Fififizz]

Anything help with libido other than testosterone? Not sure I’m up to attempting to obtain it from GP or that I want to add it into my regime. I think at the back of my mind I’m conscious of having had more UTI’s recently, which I know can be a menopause issue, so I’m wondering if my problem is that thought at the back of my mind putting a dampner on things too!

Possibly - topical oestrogen and vaginal pessaries are supposed to plump it all up and help. It's no where near as much oestrogen.

Hrt just oestrogen and the progesterone is supposed to help many women on its own.

The above has helped a bit but I don't think it's been long enough. I've also just gone up to a higher patch so need to leave it to settle for longer to assess.

Do you think you need to go up a bit higher on the oestrogen?

Shamelessly following.

Not tried it but macaroot has a good reputation. The problem is that there are so many supplements recommended for different menopausal symptoms, it’s hard to know what to try.

I don't know what the solution is.
Many areas still do not allow GPs to prescribe testosterone so even if you did visit your GP they my not be able to help. I read recently that it has no effect for almost half of women who try it anyway

Jeez I have done opposite I am like a total animal

Guidelines include that when considering testosterone for libido that the vulval/vaginal tissues are also estrogenized. Topical oestrogen as a cream on the vulva might help return some libido and should also help reduce UTIs and any other symptoms of urogenital atrophy.

There is the menopausal sex surge too - I experienced this. Enjoy it and hope your partner can keep up!

I’m not sure. What I’m taking seems to be controlling other symptoms quite well. Loss of libido was almost my first symptom and GP just ignored it and then as other symptoms popped up that were more bothersome I focused on those. Now I have the energy to tackle this, kind of, but I’m also so long without a libido I kind of feel ambivalent and am wondering if it’s down to my body or my mind or a combo of both! 🤷‍♀️

Enjoy it! There is another thread about a hormonal surge somewhere on here.

Thanks, I think this was the information I needed as my next step. I’m not sure about testosterone currently and it’s seemingly very difficult to obtain via NHS GP’s so maybe I need to ensure my HRT is fully optimised everywhere first.

Yes, ideally HRT should be optimised first before adding testosterone in.

Some GPs are able and happy to prescribe testosterone. This can depend on their knowledge and if it’s included in your local drug formulary. Otherwise they should refer you to a menopause clinic or you could go private.

This should give the information you need thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/

Is try topical first/ in the meantime as it does sound like you may need it?

Oddly enough since I’ve started HRT I have found my sex drive has completely disappeared. Zero interest at all. I expected the opposite. I do find Ovestin internal cream and Replens on the days I don’t use the Ovestin helps make everything more comfortable (not from a sex point of view, just generally) and I suffer with UTIs less but it’s made no difference to my non existent libido.

Mine went off a cliff around 3-4 months after omicron earlier this year, which hit me sideways. Loads of symptoms came back too.

Doubling hrt (early days still) and using cream has helped a tiny bit, definitely more comfortable, but I'm not like I was yet.

ideally HRT should be optimised first before adding testosterone in.

What does this mean in reality? I'm worried that I need more than 100 patches based on symptoms. How is the decision made that you're optimal? Is it blood tests?

Gp said they aim for 400-600 oestrogen but I've read of women needing higher. I'm also concerned that it will take more than 100 to get there, but I don't think gps can give more??

100 patch hasn't given my boobs the slightest of a twinge so can't be too much but I seem to <touches all wood> be sleeping a bit better. Joints, brain and feet need to improve a bit to my mind! I will take it as a win when in can wear normal shoes to work again! (Instead of ASICS, and I still hobble the next day!)

I’m assuming ‘optimised’ for HRT is measured by blood tests not symptoms unlike thyroid where blood tests mean not a lot and optimum is or should be judged on how you feel as an individual. I seem to be fortunate HRT has got rid of my main symptoms but no sign of my libido. I do wonder though whether it’s part mental as well as part hormonal though. 🤷‍♀️

A new dp . Can't get enough of it now!