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Menopause

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Ridiculously high libido while on testosterone - normal?

28 replies

MsAthena · 31/10/2023 18:17

Hello. I have recently been prescribed testosterone by a private GP. I couldn't get it on the NHS as it's not offered to menopausal women by my local NHS CCG. I was already on normal HRT and while that certainly relieved a lot of my other symptoms, my libido was still practically non-existent. I was beginning to resign myself to a lifetime of never having sex again, or even experiencing the slightest modicum of sexual desire. I did a lot of research online and saw that having low testosterone level after menopause (compared to pre-menopause) is often a common cause of low libido in women. The GP I saw was happy to prescribe me testosterone gel based on low libido by itself. I've been using it for 2 weeks and I have to say, the effects have been remarkable. I have more energy, motivation and my concentration has improved. The most positive and welcome effect, though, has been on my libido. I haven't felt this horny since I was in my 20s. I'm 51. I've been thinking about sex every day, sometimes multiple times a day. I've been feeling utterly rampant. The only side effect I've had is slightly increased hair growth in the area of my thigh where I apply the gel. I'm very happy with the results and I regret not getting on the gel sooner. I'm single at the moment, but I'm now seriously wanting to find a casual partner for sex, which wasn't remotely a priority for me until my libido returned to the level it's currently at.

I wanted to ask, for other ladies who have been prescribed testosterone, did you see such a rapid turnaround in your libido? I've heard of it taking months for some but for me I started noticing an improvement within 2 days of starting. I don't know if it stays that high for as long as you are on the gel, but I hope it continues for a while.

OP posts:
artemis9 · 31/10/2023 22:47

Not really. I've been on it for a year and a half. I am better getting up in the morning and getting myself to do exercise.. sometimes. I don't notice any other change, sadly, but worry that if I came off it, I would feel even more knackered than I do. I'm on patches as well and my dose of both is higher than normal though levels in blood tests is only just ok. I think I'm not great at absorbing through my skin.

Pinkpinkplonk · 31/10/2023 22:53

I know you’re feeling that this is a great result, but it’s very possible that your testosterone levels are now too high. If they are you will get unwanted ( and some possibly irreversible) side effects with time. Go to your GP and get a blood test

VWT5 · 31/10/2023 23:02

I had a similar effect. I reduced the dose, (half a baked bean size drop) and apply only on alternate days now.

RyvitaBrevis · 31/10/2023 23:16

Wow, that's quite a change you've experienced. I agree with the other posters who are wondering if maybe you are taking a little more than you need, since you seem to be responding so much to it.

I was on testosterone gel for IVF, 1 pump a day, which is more than is often prescribed for menopause support. I didn't notice a change in libido. After a couple of weeks I did start getting quite bad acne on my shoulders and upper arms (where I was putting the gel, following the leaflet, although I know you can apply it on the thigh as well).

I'm surprised you noticed a difference after 2 days. Hormonal stuff usually takes time to work.

LulooLemon · 31/10/2023 23:24

Do you mind me asking how much you pay OP? (For private consultation and private testosterone prescription)

olderbutwiser · 31/10/2023 23:53

I also had a startling insight into what it must be like to be a 16 year old boy, constantly up for it, within a week of starting it. I had a second set of bloods that showed I was just above the target range. I didn’t adjust the dose and over a year or so the impact has toned down to a just-right level on the standard testogel dose of one 40mg sachet over 8 days.

The sachet dosage is a bit hit and miss and I notice the difference within a few days if I over or under dose for more than a day or so.

HareSong · 01/11/2023 08:25

Well, I’ve just spoken to my GP about trying testosterone for low libido (been on HRT for 2 years, mid-50s), so I hope it makes a difference!

They were very willing for me to try it. I’ve got to have a starter blood test before they will give me the prescription (in case it turns out my levels are actually ok), then another at 3 weeks, then 3 months. If they do prescribe it, then they said they’d expect it to show an impact by 3 months, and if it doesn’t, to just stop taking it. So I’ll be interested to see what happens.

She prescribed me Ovestin gel as well. NHS GP - so impressed.

Moredarkchocolateplease · 01/11/2023 11:49

I get mine on NHS too.

I found a massive impact about three weeks in, had sex and then it's sort of died off again. Though I do feel a bit spicy once I've been doing yoga.

It had an impact on my energy levels as I'd had the coil fitted and was so tired I was walking through treacle. I still struggle getting out of bed, even though pre HRT I bounced out of bed each morning to run or do weights. However the testosterone has had an impact.

I'm due a 12 week blood test.

I'm not sure why I'd stop taking it though, clearly I'm supposed to have this in my system and my blood test showed I had undetectable amounts. So libido or not, I'm keeping going with it!

pearldiamond · 02/11/2023 08:51

I started androfeme in June and in September my sex drive went through the roof!! It was glorious! I felt alive and happy and sexy.
October has been the complete opposite. I bled for 23 days, felt miserable and obviously no sex.
I found out that too much testosterone can convert to oestrogen and seeing as I'm on 75mg patches I am wondering if unopposed oestrogen is my problem.
I've now cut my patches in half and will continue with the testosterone.
Who knows what will happen in November!!

Spendysis · 02/11/2023 08:58

think I will have to ask my gp for this been on hrt for a few months and have zero libido still if my gp refuses how do you go about getting it privately

Moredarkchocolateplease · 02/11/2023 09:06

pearldiamond · 02/11/2023 08:51

I started androfeme in June and in September my sex drive went through the roof!! It was glorious! I felt alive and happy and sexy.
October has been the complete opposite. I bled for 23 days, felt miserable and obviously no sex.
I found out that too much testosterone can convert to oestrogen and seeing as I'm on 75mg patches I am wondering if unopposed oestrogen is my problem.
I've now cut my patches in half and will continue with the testosterone.
Who knows what will happen in November!!

But isn't oestrogen the 'happy' hormone? So more oestrogen is great? In my head progesterone is the bad guy.

pearldiamond · 02/11/2023 13:30

PMS is due to progesterone levels falling. I've been feeling like I've got PMS this last month so I feel like my progesterone is too low.
I'm on the facebook group 'totes merry peri' and have learnt a LOT about HRT on there. Google unopposed oestrogen and if you're on facebook join that group. There's a lady called Jen on it who knows everything you need to know about progesterone!

Plumbathread · 02/11/2023 13:36

Spendysis · 02/11/2023 08:58

think I will have to ask my gp for this been on hrt for a few months and have zero libido still if my gp refuses how do you go about getting it privately

It did nothing for mine. I’ve been on it over a year now.

pearldiamond · 02/11/2023 13:36

Lots of people think progesterone is the bad guy but it's this hormone that starts to reduce years before menopause. So you get to 50 or so and it's really really low. So actually I think you need more progesterone

pearldiamond · 02/11/2023 13:39

Moredarkchocolate- I think you were on my thread in September and we were both chuffed with our new found libido! Wink
Interesting that hasn't stayed for you either..... (although I don't think my husbands Willy could have coped!!) 😂😂😂

Ikeameatballlunch · 02/11/2023 19:55

You may be on too much; I only needed a half dose after my libido was far too much and bloods were very slightly too high!

You need an FAI test really and don't use the gel on the day of the test.

It triggered a lot of hair loss so I'd be careful and double check levels.

At half dose I was great. And i was very low indeed before I started (Gp insisted on testing.)

Iamonetoo · 02/11/2023 20:00

Who else is going to be on the phone to their GP first thing

jennytheonionslayer · 02/11/2023 20:05

What dosage are you on and what is the strength?

mellongoose · 02/11/2023 20:06

@Iamonetoo me 🙋‍♀️!!

I'm on patches and although it's helpful for my emotional state my libido has remained rock bottom.

Is testosterone the only option? I'm worried about hair!!!!

QueenBitch666 · 02/11/2023 20:11

A year and a half in for me and no effect on libido. Levels are slightly higher than normal on half the dose that my consultant prescribed. I've heard it's very hit and miss. I expected to feel like you !

jennytheonionslayer · 02/11/2023 20:13

Is this the same as you are on OP?

Ridiculously high libido while on testosterone - normal?
Ikeameatballlunch · 02/11/2023 20:27

My Gp said in her experience around a third of women find it effective, a third don't get on with it and a third notice no difference.

MsAthena · 03/11/2023 06:57

I'm on the testogel sachets that @jennytheonionslayer posted a photo of. The prescribed dose is 1/8 of a sachet per day.

OP posts:
jennytheonionslayer · 03/11/2023 13:05

MsAthena · 03/11/2023 06:57

I'm on the testogel sachets that @jennytheonionslayer posted a photo of. The prescribed dose is 1/8 of a sachet per day.

So is two or three whole sachets a day excessive Grin

Morethantimeandmorethanlove · 03/11/2023 13:23

There is a very fine line between having just enough and overdoing it. Some side affects are reversible eg. Acne and excess hair . But if your voice starts to change that’s a different story. It’s not reversible . It needs to be very carefully
monitored.

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