Testosterone- worth a private appt to get ?

[Marmitemyway]

I’m 53, been in HRT for 4 years, sandrema gel max dose plus Mirena coil (had this after not getting on with utergesterone)
definitely feel better then without HRT but feel flat, deflated and a bit lost. Am about to be empty nest, lost my mum 6 months ago and dad 2 years ago so I’m sure there’s other reasons aside from menopause that’s causing this to but After reading and listening to podcasts about this seems a lot of “celebs” seem to add testosterone- I know this isn’t available on nhs and wondering if it’s worth forking out for private appt to prescribe testosterone
Would love to hear anyone’s experience of adding this to their regime !
I do all the supplements , fresh air, exercise try to eat well etc already
just need a pick me up need my mojo back !

NHS gps will now prescribe it but only for libido related problems, they won't prescribe for energy etc but if you perhaps say your lack of libido is having a massive effect on your relationship and quality of life (even if it isn't but you sometimes need to be creative to get things on the nhs) then you are entitled to have it prescribed. Ask them to refer to NICE guidelines of they aren't sure.

Or yes pay for it privately if you prefer. I hear lots of positive things about testosterone regading increased energy and feeling great. I bet in a few years time it will be prescribed routinely for those who need or want it.

@Janiie thanks I’m going research a little more would be just be useful to know if it would be of help before forking out !

I take it, but have always taken as part of my HRT so difficult to say which symptoms it's helped with. Research told me it would help with libido and brain fog: both of which have massively improved.

GPs don't have to prescribe for any reason - even libido as PP said. It's really ridiculous as it is privately prescribed for women regularly but it is off licence and against NICE guidelines. At the moment I can afford to pay (£200 per year consultation, £80 per year for prescription fee, £88 per year for the actual medication) but I won't always. I'm naively hoping that guidelines will have changed by then.....

My GP prescribed it to me for lack of energy.

i had exactly what you describe - flat mood, not sure what my life was really for. Asked gp for testosterone but she recommended a doubling of my oestrogen first and it did make a massive difference. I then added testosterone for libido and that worked plus improved general energy.

Testosterone is available on the NHS, the GP at the menopause clinic said she could prescribe when we next speak if I've seen no improvement on a higher hrt dose. Also going to do a blood test to check I'm absorbing the oestrogen from my patches but I don't know if that's an issue with gel.

Oh yes, my gp has prescribed it for me on the nhs. It’s off licence so it’s up to your gp, and your gp can only prescribe it off licence for libido I believe. But it’s worth trying your gp first.

@LadyGardenersQuestionTime thanks I’m on max sandrema gel which was doubled a couple of years ago when I had bladder issues - so I think testosterone worth a try
will ask gp first before saving for private route if required !

Had to stop Testosterone last summer (for gyn investigations) and hoping to restart again soon.

Can confirm that I felt absolutely 100% while using it, but feel just 80% now when not using.

Can also buy Testogel over the counter from any pharmacy in Turkey…around £47 for a years supply if memory serves…
(not available OTC in Greece, Spain, Croatia if that helps anyone)

I get my Testogel through Newson and I've been taking it about six months. I'd say it has helped with my mood, energy and brain fog. Definitely worth the cost although it soon adds up with the blood test, dispensing cost, appointments etc. I'd been on HRT for over a year before I started and on quite a high dose of estrogen, but still struggling with symptoms.

I got testosterone. From my GP (Tostran) after describing loss of libido and requesting it. It was off licence, but NICE guidelines aren’t against it and actually say it can be prescribed off licence for libido issues for women who are already stable on HRT.

Lots however aren’t comfortable doing so. If you ask your GP and they won’t prescribe, you can ask to be referred to a menopause specialist to discuss loss of libido and testosterone. I think GPs would struggle to refuse this request as testosterone is a recognised treatment for low libido in women. More GPs will be willing to continue prescribing it, if a consultant first prescribes it and confirms suitability.

Therefore, definitely see your GP and ask, and go prepared to ask to see a specialist if they won’t prescribe, and if they say they don’t want to refer you to a specialist, ask why not, given you’re presenting with low libido which HRT hasn’t impacted, and it’s standard practice to use testosterone as a treatment thorough a consultant if a GP isn’t happy to do so.

Ikniw lots of women can’t face all this and go privately and pay. Fine. But this shouldn’t be something that’s only available to those with the means to pay. Unfortunatley, it is still often only available to those who’ve down some reading and who will push a bit…..but it will mean they don’t have to pay for consultations and more than NHS prescription charges. Testosterone won’t be included in the new April HRT pre payment certificate, so it will always be an dditional cost, but nothing like private prescription and consultation charges.

@Moomin37 i was considering newson looks like as I’m already on Hrt I can do this reasonably easily but it’s expensive so glad to hear it has helped you