Testosterone

[Aparecium]

Long Covid Clinic recommended that I add testosterone to my HRT. Unfortunately this was not in the letter they sent to my GP. GP referred me to an HRT clinic, and the appointment is coming up soon.

NHS menopause website says nothing about Long Covid, only low sex drive, so I'm not sure how to approach this appointment. Menopause certainly affected my sex drive, and since having Covid it is utterly non-existent. But is that through chronic fatigue or through hormones? I've waited nearly two years for this appointment, and feel that it may be my one chance to access a trial with testosterone, so I don't want to mess up.

Any advice?

Why did the clinic recommend testosterone?

Check the NICE guidelines for menopause and for long covid (if there are any for lc) so you know the guidance they will be working to. I got testosterone from my gp for loss of libido and it’s been very effective. my understanding is that it can only be prescribed for loss of libido so if in doubt I’d lead with that.

This guidance seems pretty informative on testosterone.

British Menopause Society

If you are of menopause age, there are overlaps between long covid symptoms and menopause. Because of that, they are likely to treat the menopause symptoms in case it's actually that causing the fatigue and not the long covid.

Did they do a blood test for testosterone? They may well do that first. They are likely to put you on HRT first, let that settle then add the testosterone.

I've had ME for years and am now perimenopausal. The loss of libido was massively exacerbated by the perimenopause.

I used testosterone gel for a year before conceding that it was having zero effect sadly, it’s not the magic solution that everyone seems to think it is.

sorry I see you said you were on HRT already @Aparecium

I am in the time where I'm trying to get my HRT right (which I haven't at all yet, I'm all over the place with it) but they did test my testosterone and found some sort of index was v low therefore I am suitable to try it.

I have a post viral fatigue (not Covid) which they think is exacerbating all the symptoms too.

Thanks for your responses and links. BMS very informative.

About 'libido', is it not feeling physical desire at all, it is it feeling physical desire but not getting aroused when responding to that desire?

Hi, I’m just wondering if anyone who tried testosterone in peri became very angry on it ? I have zero testosterone and so was prescribed androfeme by my Gp but every time I try and incorporate it ( one pea sized amount daily via syringe ) , after about 3/4 days worth o become really aggressive towards everyone . It’s happened several times when I have tried to start it again . Blood tests have confirmed I’m deficient so why am I reacting like this 🤷‍♀️

Maybe take a smaller dose @Charla20 and build up?

Testosterone gel was recommended to me and prescribed as I was losing muscle - and feeling like a chocolate teapot, unable to think strategically, and getting anxious.

works wonders, BUT it’s officially prescribed to me for “libido”.

i think it’s only when your PARTNER’S sex life is affected does it somehow justify the prescription!!!

ah… the Patriarchy

Testosterone gel was recommended to me and prescribed as I was losing muscle - and feeling like a chocolate teapot, unable to think strategically, and getting anxious.

Hello, Long Covid. Not necessarily you, but definitely me. Libido, too, though.

Does anyone know the answer to my question about libido?

I'm hoping to go on testosterone for low libido (and energy levels/brain fog). I have large fibroids and bleed heavily, which seems to be tempered by a progesterone pill I now take daily - awaiting Mirena. Does anybody have experience in how testosterone supplement alone will likely impact my bleeding? My doctor is concerned it may make my periods even heavier than usual I can't seem to find any evidence either way when I search online.

@ChocolateCrackles can you get the mirena in first and then add T? I did mirena in June and then added T in August. The mirena made me horrendously exhausted and so I added T and got my energy back.