Blood test - low levels despite being on HRT

[GoodbyeMeno]

I'm 50 currently on gel & progesterone would like testosterone on the NHS.
Had the lecture from a new GP about difficult time for women, empty nest, old parents etc
Went for the blood test and despite four pumps of gel a day, the estrogen level is low and testosterone low.
I feel a bit 'told you so' and a bit tearful.
Given up alcohol, took a stress manage course which I do for the anxiety, gave up my lovely exciting, crazy job.
And actually I'm running on shear force of personality with nothing in the tank.
Have decided to have a little cry before pulling myself together.
What else can I do to improve this, what can I expect from the GP and how to ask for it?
I used to work in a male dominated industry and now I'm just a shell.

Sorry you feel rubbish! Are you using Oestrogel? If so there are lots of long running threads on here and elsewhere online about the change in gel container causing a return of menopausal symptoms. I'll try and link to the thread. Basically Besins Healthcare who make Oestrogel have changed the shape of the container that contains the product. It has changed to a cylindrical shape. Many women (me included) felt as soon as they switched to the new bottle of Oestrogel all their menopause symptoms quickly returned. Besins have investigated and say there are no defects in their products after women submitted yellow card reports to the MHRA.
I spoke to my GP about it and asked to change to HRT patches which have been great. It fab not to have to faff about applying gel twice daily. I would have thought if your oestrogen levels are low your GP would be fine about switching you to an alternative preparation like a patch. Why don't you go back and ask?

Oestrogel: new packaging (yet again)? - Thread 2 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/menopause/4950480-oestrogel-new-packaging-yet-again-thread-2

Omg @pharmachameleon I am on oestrogel and the bottle did change shape.
Thanks for the link, will read.

I hate having to be my own expert on this. I have no interest in the mechanics behind my health. I guarantee there's no other issue that is guaranteed to hit 51% of the population that you end up piecing the evidence together like this.

I have no great words of wisdom @GoodbyeMeno but you have my empathy. Have a good cry and get it all out l. This stage of life is absolutely shit. I too feel a shadow of my former self, now with a rapidly growing array of illness & ailments. I am on the gel too, it’s much better than no HRT but doesn’t work a miracle. Can I ask why you left your job? It must be awful if you had enjoyed it. Brain fog or anxiety or something else? I would gladly quit mine as I am exhausted, but I fear even that wouldn’t bring any joy back.

Same here. I look at old photos of me and that person isn’t here anymore. On HRT which may or may be helping. Need to change my job as it’s causing so much stress but don’t feel capable of anything due to brain fog and anxiety. Solidarity to all of us coping with this shitshow. (I have elderly parents and an empty house to throw in the mix too)